Sexy Shrimp Question

[lterna]

So I have a Red Sea Reefer 350 (73 gallon display), and my gf loves the look of sexy shrimp and wants me to add a few (I was thinking 3). But, I don't want to get them if they are just going to turn into expensive food or eat some of my zoas.

Right now I have about 6 zoa frags, two have already grown out to decent size, but the others are tiny. I also have a cleaner shrimp and a small coral banded shrimp that never ever comes out- hides all day long in the rock and sometimes comes out at night. I was searching around on here reading some forums and some people say their coral banded shrimp have never touched their sexy shrimp. Others say they will go after them. Right now the coral banded shrimp is small.

I also have a yellow tang, two fancy clowns, a bengaii cardinal fish and a royal gramma. I don't have a BTA yet but was considering adding one later on. Some people say the clowns won't tolerate the shrimp if they go near the BTA.

Looking for any advice on whether or not you all think it's a good idea to get some sexy shrimp. I know anything can happen really but I'd rather not roll the dice if the majority thinks 1) they will end up getting eaten and/or 2) they will go after the zoas. Some of these zoa frags are definitely worth more than the shrimp.

If I keep target feed the sexy shrimp and keep everyone else well fed, do you think everyone will get along?

 

[TankYou]

I have had several pairs of sexy shrimp. Never seen them go after zoas, they are your typical shrimp like scavengers, be it pint sized. Had them in with a peppermint shrimp that never bothered them either. I would be concerned with the banded coral shrimp as they are typically more aggressive in nature, the banded coral shrimp I have had in the past would certainly cause problems with them.

 

[lterna]

Thanks. This coral banded shrimp is small right now, definitely a juvenile. I see him like once every 3 days, and he doesn't really roam-just comes out of his hole and stands right in front. I use a pipette to make sure some frozen mysis/brine gets to him so he eats well. Since the sexy shrimp are usually active during the day and he isn't, do you think he would leave them alone?

I'd hate to lose them to a shrimp that never comes out

 

[TankYou]

You never know what will happen, especially at night. When things scare sexy shrimp they are able to sort of squirt away rapidly. your banded shrimps temperament seems like a good thing tho. for a tank that size they Would might be a little underwhelming, sexy shrimp are ideal for nano sized aquariums/ AOIs. Typically the more sexy shrimp the better, I would recommend 3 or more- singles would not do well if you were to test the water so to speak.

 

[lterna]

I was definitely looking to get more than one. I was leaning towards 3 or 4. I know they might be a bit underwhelming, I just like the fact that from afar you get to see fish etc but when you look closely there is a lot more life than meets the eye.

Because the tank is larger, they should be able to get away from the coral banded if he decides to go after them? Also, if the sexy shrimp are active and it came to a point where i had to decide between the coral banded and the sexies, the coral banded might be headed to the sump or back to the LFS since I rarely see him anyway.

 

[TankYou]

They are definitely one of the coolest things I have ever kept in my aquarium. Banded shrimp end up being a PITA in my opinion as they get older and more aggressive towards other fish, they are like a mean old man. I would choose the sexy shrimp.
I also had a clown bonded to a BTA and it was never a problem. The royal gramma may cause you a problem, sometimes they may go after smaller shrimp.

 

[lterna]

They are definitely one of the coolest things I have ever kept in my aquarium. Banded shrimp end up being a PITA in my opinion as they get older and more aggressive towards other fish, they are like a mean old man. I would choose the sexy shrimp.
I also had a clown bonded to a BTA and it was never a problem. The royal gramma may cause you a problem, sometimes they may go after smaller shrimp.

so worth trying it out? or are there too many potential predators for them in my tank?