AHH Killer Nassarius ;(

[ShAgMaN]

These stories are good, if anything aquarists might think twice about loading their tank with these guys...or take the chance and know your livestock well. I for 1 don't trust them, and only keep a handful in my tank. I believe the slower/docile inverts are much more susceptible...

This dosent include pepermint shrimp, who hold their own big time.

[Europhyllia]

so what Nassarius type was it? Tonga or Caribbean?

[kkiel02]

These stories are good, if anything aquarists might think twice about loading their tank with these guys...or take the chance and know your livestock well. I for 1 don't trust them, and only keep a handful in my tank. I believe the slower/docile inverts are much more susceptible...

This dosent include pepermint shrimp, who hold their own big time.

I think if the snails could devour a cleaner or coral banded shrimp the peps should be quick work as well.

I have never owned a coral banded(I know they are considered one of the most aggressive, thats why I never purchased one) or harlequin but have kept fire shrimp, cleaner shrimp and peppermint shrimp with nassarius with no problems. Although mine werent the huge tonga ones, just the caribbean ones. They are fast little snails though. Plus I have heard of weird stories like a coral banded eating fish etc. so who knows with nature.

[ShAgMaN]

I think if the snails could devour a cleaner or coral banded shrimp the peps should be quick work as well.

I have never owned a coral banded(I know they are considered one of the most aggressive, thats why I never purchased one) or harlequin but have kept fire shrimp, cleaner shrimp and peppermint shrimp with nassarius with no problems. Although mine werent the huge tonga ones, just the caribbean ones. They are fast little snails though. Plus I have heard of weird stories like a coral banded eating fish etc. so who knows with nature.

I don't know why but my peps are survivors - I've had a pair for years - course they only come out at night.

One species I've never been able to keep are cleaners, they are gone in a week from who knows what?

[BSJF]

I have cleaners, pepps, and nassarius The shrimp are big now, but were smaller in the beginning.

In the past, I have had several fish help themselves to my shrimp.

[Europhyllia]

I think there might be a big difference between what the two different Nassarius species can do. The Tongans are so big and strong I could see them (in theory) wrestle down another critter. The Caribbeans: not really.
I don't think it's necessary to have the Tongans. Even a bunch of small ones can manage a lot of leftover food without really having the individual strength of the Tongans.
I'd say if the Nassarius concern you just go with the Caribbeans

[alton]

Off subject just a little but I had a Neon Dotty Back that would just pluck the eyes off of my cleaner shrimp. It took me 3 cleaner shrimp before I saw/caught him do it.

[Europhyllia]

ewww. that's horrific!