Peppermint Shrimp a Serial Killer?

[Melissa]

I have one peppermint shrimp which is eating my ricordias. What the heck is he thinking? Well, I had these three ricordia polyps in my tank in one little cove and the shrimp decided he wanted to live in that cove so he has been picking on the ricordias. I moved two of them, got them attached to a piece of rubble, then attempted to move the third, which was definitely more attached to his little cove than the other two. I suspect I seriously injured the ric while prying it off the rock, however it was that or let it slowly be eaten by Mr. Shrimp the Ripper. I moved the third ric. Tonight I noticed that Mr. Ripper is now picking on the last ric I moved. JERK!

I may just have to catch him, but how in the world do you catch a shrimp? He can go live in the refugium or the quarantine tank where I put large cannibal blue leg hermits I catch preying on their little brothers.

I do not condone this type of behavior. Solitary confinement is the only solution I see.

Sadly,
Melissa

[Tasher80]

Are you sure he was "eating" your rics? My peppermint shrimp will pick off my rics when there is food on them. He doesn't usually stay long.

[Rick O]

Shrimp and crabs are evil creatures. Only their size prevents tham from being a danger to Great White Sharks. I have seen shrimp reach down into a yellow polyp that had just eaten brine shrimp and rip the shrimp right out, also ripping the yellow polyp right out too. Never seen one attact a ricordia though.

[Speckled Grouper]

My peppermints eat every feather duster they can get their little feelers on. The cut up Soda bottle fish trap might work???

[Melissa]

Oh, yeah, he isn't just stealing food from these ricordias. He is acting with malicious intent. The ricordias are possibly scarred for life and are discussing a possible class action civil suit to obtain reparations for damages. There are enough eye witnesses to convict the Ripper. Once he is in custody proceedings will begin.

[Doug1]

Are the they the L wurdmanii variety of peppermint shrimp? that sounds like the actions of the sorta similar looking "Camel Shrimp", hell spawn and polyp munchers extrordinare

I thought there was a thread archived that showed to two varieties but I can find it

[reefworried124]

I think your peppermint shrimp was just trying to be its friend. Those scars were from ricordias abusive boyfriend.

[tabwyo]

I have the ideal solution.

It involves a fair helping of garlic and a nice pan o' pipin hot butter and a squirt of lemon.

[jesspaul]

I have a neon pseudochromis that just loves shrimp he does a number on worms too.

[Melissa]

If he is sentenced to death by frying pan, perhaps the other shrimp in the tank will be more aware of the possible consequences for committing such social injustices.

He would make a tasty snack...

[Doug1]

Mellisa, can you get a pic of the perpatrator, or have you been able to find a pic of yours online?

[nos68]

My three Peppermint shrimps in the refugium (Frank, Lloyd, & Wright) ate the baby Cardnialfish I got (from Sally). They are cute and I like them, but won't add anything like that again. They just want to do what they know how to do, eat.

-Chris

[Melissa]

I'm going to try to catch him and one other peppermint shrimp from my tank. I hope they will be happy in the fuge. At least they will produce food for the corals.

[Melissa]

Catching this mongrel has been difficult. He is still hiding out. I could kick myself for buying these pests. No more peppermint shrimp in my tank once I get these guys out!

[salt creepette]

you got the equivalent of "Shrimp-the-Ripper." my two (remaining) peppermint shrimp are perfect angels. nany nany boo boo.

(just kiddin'. watch, i am going to wake up one day to find all my corals gone cuz my shrimp got hungry...)