Maxima clam attacked by shrimp

[JOHANNA]

Brought home a new Blue maxima clam and put it in my tank about 9pm. At 10 when the lights went off my peppermint shrimp attacked it. I was unable to fish the shrimp out of the tank so I just left it in there. Today the clam won't open up and extend itself. I have a derasa clam and have never had a problem. Anyone else have this problem.

 

[Mattl22]

My peppermint shrimp went right after a tube nem and will pick at softies but keeps the tank clear of apista

 

[Arati]

most likely there was something wrong with the clam that made the shrimp see it as food.

 

[jcs11236]

^ +1

 

[ecvernon]

How did you acclimate it? If it was fine in the store and messed up when it got in your tank perhaps something happened along the way....I dont believe it was the shrimp. A healthy clam could close itself shut if indeed the shrimp bothered it

Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk

 

[jerl77]

1++++++++++++++++++++++

most likely there was something wrong with the clam that made the shrimp see it as food.

 

[TheSherm]

agreed, somethin bad on that there clam.....

 

[masterswimmer]

Couple of issues here. First, are you sure the shrimp are truly Peppermint Shrimp? Camel Shrimp look very similar to Peppermints but are NOT reef safe.

Second, even Peppermint Shrimp are very opportunistic feeders and will certainly 'attack' a stressed coral or invert. Even if the coral or invert isn't sick or damaged in any way, they are definitely stressed after traveling from the LFS in a plastic bag, with poor water quality, put into new surroundings with unknown predators. Peppermint Shrimp seize these opportunities to munch on new additions, which is why I feel Peppermint Shrimp are the devil reincarnated. :sgrin:

Take an empty one liter soda bottle, cut off the top section (where the pouring spout is). Invert the top back into the bottom portion of the bottle, and secure the top with cable ties (zip ties) so it's like a funnel into the bottle. Put some food into the bottle, fill it with tank water, place it on the bottom of the tank, watch your Peppermint Shrimp walk right into it. I caught mine within 30 seconds.

Hope this helps,
Russ

 

[JOHANNA]

Thanks for the tip on catching the Devil. The Shrimp is a peppermint. It is new in this tank and its the only one so I think it may be a little agressive. The clam was drip aclimated for an hour. It is definetaly possible that the clam had something wrong. I dont buy fish from this LFS anymore but thought how could I go wrong with a clam.

 

[jetthril]

Johanna, according to Reef Invertebrates by Calfo and Fenner, peppermint shrimps are among 1 of 6 creatures likely to prey on clams. Also included: crabs, angelfish, mantis shrimps, triggerfish, and cleaner wrasse.

Removing that shrimp is the probably the best idea.

 

[Jakef150]

mines 2" blue Max clam died after 2 weeks... PISSED ME OFF..

It was fine for 2 weeks until last 2 day...,

no one bothering clam then last 2 days, i noticed nass snails, shrimp starting to attack to eat it...

Next morning, no meat in clam... GONE..

something was wrong with my clam i suspected foot is already damage.

I hope your clam is okay..

Jake