A Shrimp Tale

[Paul B]

Once upon a time (OK last year) I had this shrimp and Gobi

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/IMG_24043.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/IMG_24043.jpg.html)

He looked lonely so the King of this section of reef (Me) went out and got him a little companion. In time, the little guy grew to where he could be friends, or maybe more than friends with the older guy. In the beginning the King was worried because the little gobi was tiny and he was afraid he would be eaten.

The two gobies moved into the tunnel dug by their friend the pistal shrimp. and it looked like they would be happy and safe forever.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/2013-03-26093219_zpsdd5efeed.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/2013-03-26093219_zpsdd5efeed.jpg.html)

Then this big, mean Watchman gobi came by and evicted these two smaller gobies, moved into their home, enslaved their shrimp and they had no place to live.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/2013-05-03190334_zpscec08c13.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/2013-05-03190334_zpscec08c13.jpg.html)

So the King (me again) searched far and wide and found a new shrimp that had no gobi friends and he bought him.
He put the shrimp in the six foot long tank not thinking these 3 creatures would ever meet up, but to his surprise, with in 10 minutes, the gobies found that the shrimp was living in a tube and they took up a position outside the entrance. The shrimp inched out and noticed the gobies guarding his cave and he immediately started digging a tunnel right beneath their watchful eyes.
Now the tunnel is about an inch deep and the gobies are laying across it, protecting it and the shrimp from harm. (you can just about make out the shrimp antenna sticking out of the hole, touching the gobi) The King of this reef (yes me) believes that by tomorrow, the gobies and the new shrimp will again be safe and comfortable in their new home. And the old watchman could go and sit on a tack and rotate.
The End. :dance:

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/2013-05-15142824_zps195bbfb4.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/2013-05-15142824_zps195bbfb4.jpg.html)

[KafudaFish]

Good night Paul.

[Paul B]

Oh No. Now the other gobi stole the shrimp from right under the 2 gobi's noses.

So now I ordered "another" shrimp.
I may have to get a separate shrimp for every fish in the tank.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/2013-05-15165501_zpseecbf651.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/2013-05-15165501_zpseecbf651.jpg.html)

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/2013-05-15165607_zps0ffb6aac.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/2013-05-15165607_zps0ffb6aac.jpg.html)

[SaltwaterSensei]

lol its the new trend in your reef tank, shrimp servants.

[asudavew]

Excellent. Best post I've read on RC.

[devimik]

Cool story and great gobies. I thought gobies didn't get along with eachother - I guess you've proved that to be incorrect.

[Paul B]

I thought gobies didn't get along with eachother - I guess you've proved that to be incorrect.



Well it depends on how they were brought up, what side of the tracks, (or tank) they come from and if they are constipated. It's hard to be friendly if your constipated. :hmm2:

[shifty51008]

They dont get along with each other, thats why they keep stealing each others shrimp lol

[johnike]

Well done as always Paul.
:)

[Paul B]

Last night I was cowering in bed under the covers as I heard this huge fight coming from the tank. There was water splashing, bottles breaking, chains swinging and curses flying. I was afraid to look, as I knew there was bloodshed.
But this morning as I peered in with my little critter light, I didn't see much blood but I did notice my striped gobi, the cute one, laying in his tunnel with the shrimp, I could tell he was knocked out as he was sweating profusely. The bully was no where to be found and may have left town. I may have more information when the lights come on. If they still work.

This is one of the bullys when he is not picking on someone smaller than he is. I am not sure if this is the guy that evicted them the second time as there are some in there that I don't even know where they came from and just crashed my tank.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/IMG_1585.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/IMG_1585.jpg.html)

No, this is him, I am sure of it. Now I also have to worry about that other guy. Maybe I should buy 10 shrimps
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/IMG_1329.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/IMG_1329.jpg.html)

[Machiavel]

Good morning Mr. Paul,

I think the real estate market of your tank is about to crash.

Beautiful fishes and tank!

[Paul B]

Thank you, yes I think they need more room.

[ssdawood]

Paul I thought we can only keep one goby in a tank as they fight. I like gobies a lot. What the secret to keep multiple gobies.

[o2manyfish]

Threads like this force me to remind myself why I have a barebottom tank (because my tank is acrylic and I am destructive with the magnet cleaner).

Great story and glad to see all the gobies using the same interior designer.

Dave B

[Paul B]

I thought we can only keep one goby in a tank as they fight. I like gobies a lot. What the secret to keep multiple gobies.

Don't let them read these threads. I have about 12 gobies. :rolleyes:

[Lambert58]

12 gobies!? List please!

[Psyops]

lol its the new trend in your reef tank, shrimp servants.

I think my shrimps are in the process of writting their version of the emancipation proclamation.

[Paul B]

I will try. There are one and possibly two that I don't have a picture of.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/IMG_1952.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/IMG_1952.jpg.html)

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/IMG_1585.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/IMG_1585.jpg.html)

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/IMG_1329.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/IMG_1329.jpg.html)

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/Custo009.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/Custo009.jpg.html)

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/Algae027.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/Algae027.jpg.html)

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/Gobieggs010.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/Gobieggs010.jpg.html)

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/2013-03-26093219_zpsdd5efeed.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/2013-03-26093219_zpsdd5efeed.jpg.html)

And 2 clown gobies on the left here.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/2013-05-11112041_zpsbe3cfbda.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/2013-05-11112041_zpsbe3cfbda.jpg.html)

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/2013-05-03190334_zpscec08c13.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/2013-05-03190334_zpscec08c13.jpg.html)

[troubadour11]

3... A somewhat on/off topic question for you. As I work on my aquascape and plumbing I'm trying to research and plan our stocking list. I'm currently on the fence about installing a DSB in my 90 display and instead putting the DSB in my 75 fuge that will be plummed in. I am interested in your opinion and experience with the goby/srhimps. Do you feel it's acceptable to keep a goby/shrimp pair in a 2 inch bed? I'm more concerned for the shrimp then the goby in a SSB. I have some rock that is ground flat on one side. I could elevate this flat rock with some pvc pipe or similar about 1.75-2 inches. Which I would hope would allow a stable place for the shrimp to burrow beneath without the tunnel constantly collapsing. Do you feel that would be ok for the shrimp, or not recommended and it should be in 4 inch + sand bed? Thanks :-)

Oh, and thanks for all those photos... your reef looks amazing! :spin2:

[troubadour11]

Hmmm... my previous post cut off #'s 1 and 2...

1... Thanks for the story-time with Paul_B. I quite enjoyed it :-) It brought a smile to my day.
2... Thanks for all the experience you've shared on here. I've read quite a few conversations you've been a part of as I've research my new 90 DT I'm currently building. Now that I'm in a house, it's over to salt water reef from fresh for me finally! My first mixed reef tank is under progress!

Sorry for my counting being all out of order ;-)

[Paul B]

I am not sure the shrimp will be able to dig a tunnel and kep it open with a DSB. They need building materials to shore up the roof so it doesn't collapse. They use pieces of shell and sea urchin spines. A sand bed doesn't have much to work with so I am not sure they would do well.
I personally do not like DSBs for anything so I am slanted against them

[Paul B]

OK, now I think the two shrimp are breeding, what is it with my tank? I think I fed them to many oysters. The shrimp were always on separate sides of the 6' tank, but I guess they found each other and they take turns digging this hole larger. Pretty soon I am going to hear the pitter patter of little feet, or fins, antenna, whatever thay have that makes noise.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/2013-06-18184803_zps805dae3a.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/2013-06-18184803_zps805dae3a.jpg.html)