Banded coral shrimp - A cleaner shrimp

The banded coral shrimp, sometimes called the banded cleaner shrimp, is a small, colourful crustacean that lives in warm waters around the world and can be found in popular diving places such as Hawaii and the Caribbean.  They form mutualistic relationships with numerous fish species that allow them to clean them of ectoparasites.  The shrimp are rarely found alone and work in groups, setting up cleaning stations where vertebrates may come and be relieved of burdensome invertebrates.

What I found even more interesting was that these cleaner shrimp will also remove dead tissue from injuries that facilitates healing in the wounded fish.  The shrimp will willingly inspect all outward parts of the host fish and will also examine the gills, mouth, and oral cavities.  They will remove food stuck in the mouth as well, functioning somewhat like a living toothpick.

The cleaner shrimp tend to be nocturnal, hiding in darkened areas (often coral) until evening when they emerge to feed.  They are popular organisms for the marine aquarium as they readily clean resident fish of ectoparasites and can help reduce illness such as ich.  They are fairly easy to keep and will also take fish food; they may occasionally help clean rocks.

They typically live for two to three years and are not aggressive towards other members of the marine community.  You can buy them online from wholesalers in Toronto for about $30.00 Canadian.  

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com