Fish won't let Cleaner Shrimp clean

[jabberwock]

My cleaner shrimp is pretty new. Had it for 2 weeks, it has already molted once. Seems healthy and happy eating mysis.

It really wants to clean the fish. It reaches out and caresses them with its antennae, but they won't have it. They just swim off. Royal Gramma, Firefish, Yellow Watchman Goby and Possum Wrasse.

I let the shrimp clean my hand from time to time just so he feels OK about himself...

What gives?

 

[James M]

The fish doesn’t want to be touched by the shrimp. Can’t force the fish

 

[Justfebreezeit]

Smaller fish I find often don't like it. Larger fish like bigger angels and tangs seem to enjoy it.

 

[ThePurple12]

Smaller fish I find often don't like it. Larger fish like bigger angels and tangs seem to enjoy it.

I've noticed this too.

 

[ChiSox Rabbitfish]

Give it time they’ll give in eventually

 

[Reefbuds]

I had a Japanese snapping shrimp that would clean my clown. I think they just need time to assure that the shrimp is not a threat

 

[jabberwock]

My Royal Gramma really needs cleaning too. He is a dirty hippie...

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

Smaller fish I find often don't like it. Larger fish like bigger angels and tangs seem to enjoy it.

My PBT hasn’t allowed my cleaner shrimp to touch him in the year I’ve had the shrimp.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

My PBT hasn’t allowed my cleaner shrimp to touch him in the year I’ve had the shrimp.

Thats interesting. My dad has a PBT, Purple, Yellow, Hippo, and a sailfin. They all enjoy it. I have a tomini in my tank and he passes by for the occasional check up as well. I suppose some fish just don't care for it.

 

[ccombs]

Don't worry about the shrimp being unhappy he can't clean. My fish took some time to get accustomed to him.

Today I watched my cleaner shrimp ride my goby like a horse as he swam around. He also cleans inside the goby's mouth which is really interesting.

It might happen tomorrow, it might happen in a few months, it might never happen.