Can kuhli loaches coexist with shrimp?

[NoчnoyGostь]

Hi. I moved my kuhlis to a 55 where I had ghost shrimps before (they all died ), but I want to try either ghost or Amano shrimps again, so I'm wondering if the loaches and shrimp will do well together. Mainly will the loaches try to eat the shrimp and/or will the shrimp bother loaches during the day, while they are inactive? Thanks.

 

[Roan Art]

I have three kuhlies in my 36g and 5, well, 4 now, ghost shrimp. If anything the shrimp annoy the kuhlies. The kuhlies leave them alone.

I put the 5th shrimp in my son's lobster tank. Lobster hasn't touched it and it's been there for a couple of weeks now.

Geez, can't get rid of the darn things

Roan

 

[NoчnoyGostь]

If anything the shrimp annoy the kuhlies.
Roan

But its nothing serious right? And what about Amanos, they are larger, and maybe more of a threat to kuhlis? Thanks for the help.

 

[IceH2O]

I added 5 ghost shrimp to my tank.I figured at .30 a piece it wouldn't matter if they became food for my loaches.So far they're all still running around keeping the bottom of the tank clean..Well helping,there aren't enough to really do much help.

 

[TetraBotia]

But its nothing serious right? And what about Amanos, they are larger, and maybe more of a threat to kuhlis? Thanks for the help.

No problem. I have both (Amano and Kuhli). Both basically have the nature of being non-confrontational.

 

[NoчnoyGostь]

Thanks a lot. I guess I'll try some ghosts (again) first, I've read they are supposed to live for a couple of years, I'll see how long they'll do this time (my record is three month). By the way, does anybody know of any good websites on ghost shrimps? Basically what I'm interested in is salinity, hardness, etc., and how much food they require, lets say per day. Last time I saw some full of food, while others were crawling around completely empty. Thanks again.

 

[Roan Art]

Thanks a lot. I guess I'll try some ghosts (again) first, I've read they are supposed to live for a couple of years, I'll see how long they'll do this time (my record is three month). By the way, does anybody know of any good websites on ghost shrimps? Basically what I'm interested in is salinity, hardness, etc., and how much food they require, lets say per day. Last time I saw some full of food, while others were crawling around completely empty. Thanks again.

Keep an eye on the ghost shrimp. I've seen them hang over the rocks waiting for fish to swim by and then they grab at them.

You are referring to FW ghost shrimp, right? Those are hardy as all get out and they don't need salinity. As for food, check the Catfish and Bottom Feeders forum for the "Pleco Dietary Needs" sticky. Anything plecos will eat, shrimp will eat and so will your kuhlies. They LOVE zucchini, yams, and broccoli the best. I think mine are fat Make sure you read the thread and blanch the veggies before you add them.

Also, I've noticed that the females are much bigger than the males and always seem to be full of food. The males stay rather skinny and look underfed, even when I know both are eating well and sharing zucchinis. I've not lost a shrimp, though, so I'm doing something right.

Roan

 

[rebecca2]

In my experience I have found ghost shrimp to be predatory and have seen them catch small fish. I never have kept them with kuhlis, but maybe they would be fine. I never liked them much -- not as pretty as Amanos and don't live as long.

I have Amanos with kuhlis and never had a problem. Even when my new kuhlis were toothpick sized, the 2" female Amanos were not aggressive towards them. They would try poking the kuhlis' tails, trying to get them to move off a piece of food, but that's it.

 

[Roan Art]

In my experience I have found ghost shrimp to be predatory and have seen them catch small fish.

I suspect as much, too. I've never actually caught one catching anything, though. I've found a few of my fish dead, with missing eyes, and saw one large female shrimp swim down from the top of the tank grasping a dead oto with no eyes.

Roan