The Red Claw Shrimp

[Thever]

I purchased one of these last night at the LFS after chatting w/ employee about a good cleaner that eats hair algae. I had the choice of algae eater shrimp, red claw, or some Cherries. I took 1 red claw(Its only a 10 gallon tank) and whisked him off to his new home.

Set his bag in the water for a bit to acclimate temps and after a bit set him free. He sank to the bottom- and within 5 seconds, picked up a pond snail and had a snack- and 2 min later had a little tussle with my oto w otto escaping unharmed - I was shocked to say the least!


I did some searching and am struggling to find a lot of info on these guys. They do look pretty cool and seem to be efficient algae eaters, but can I get any other shrimp with him or is it like ringing the dinner bell? Only thing I was thinking of getting is some Cherries and I swear I read that somebody kept the 2 together. Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[FishCrazyBenBOMB]

Well just by the looks of it, your red-clawed shrimp will eat pretty much anything, so putting in something like cherries, they would not stand a chance. I found that they do eat string/hair algae and flake foods and pellets, but it seems like they are either aggersive, territoral, or a canivor (however you spell that)

 

[Thever]

I've read the same thing - they are classed as an omnivore thats 'opportunistic' - I think he may have to go back as 1 oto, 1 red claw and envisioned red claw campaign against the snail population - is a little bleak for a 10 gallon.

 

[FishCrazyBenBOMB]

Yeah if your going to take him back just get some cherries, they are very good algae cleaners.