Should I be worried?

[Codemasterflex1]

My peppermint shrimp was bothering my anemone earlier today and now it’s looks like this. Should I be worried about the black spots and short tentacles all of a sudden?

 

[Flippers4pups]

My peppermint shrimp was bothering my anemone earlier today and now it’s looks like this. Should I be worried about the black spots and short tentacles all of a sudden?

I would remove the peppermint. How long have you had the nem?

 

[Phildago]

Worry? Yes.

Panic? No.

Keep a close eye on it for a few days. It might not be dead or dying, but it definitely doesn't look happy

 

[User1]

Worried? That is a tough question. Most if not all shrimp are opportunistic feeders besides being scavengers. What I mean is that they will steal food if given an opening. LPS corals are just one example such that they will pull apart folds of arms or even closed mouths to steal food. I have witnessed both skunk cleaner and peppermints doing this with my Elegance coral. I've also seen them dance around my rose bubble tip anemones to steal food.

Worried may not be a good word but aware, yes. You should be aware that peppermints are known to be bad actors in this regard. Even skunk cleaners - bad actor. Personally I no longer replace my shrimp after they run their course. Not worth it and other animals can fulfill a similar role with less collateral damage.

 

[laverda]

Your anemone does not look great, but heard to really tell from the photo. Can you get a better photo? Shrimp will defiantly steal food from anemones but should not be an issuer for a healthy anemone. How long have you had your anemone? How old is your tank? What lights are you using and how many hours a day? What is your tank size and parameters?

 

[ScottB]

I don't keep anemones so I could be way off here, but maybe the peppermint became a happy-meal for the nem and it decided to take a short nap?