How important are cleaner shrimp in a tank?

[kingkapoor]

We have a 55 acrylic tank with 2 (peaceful) damsels, a maroon clown, and a yellow tang (baby). we have some cleaner crew and a coral banded shrimp. Ive been told he could try to attack other shrimp. Cleaner shrimp are kinda expensive'r. How badly do I need those guys in my tank? Can I just skip them. Ive had most of my fish for 2-3 months now except the tang and everyone seems healthy

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Cleaner shrimp are not necessary at all.

 

[cracker]

More ornamental than worker. It is very cool to a fish let this shrimp pick over his body .

 

[malacoda]

Cleaner shrimp are not necessary at all.

+ 1 They're not necessary at all. Just something interesting to have if you want one.

 

[ChiSox Rabbitfish]

Cleaner shrimp serve a purpose cleaning fish not really needed in a tank Coral banded also serve a purpose they control bristle worm population again not really needed I’ve had both before peacefully for about 8 months before the coral banded decided to make a meal out of the cleaner I did end up donating the coral banded not just for killing the cleaner but he also clipped the fins of a blue tang and killed a emerald crab

 

[Jon Fishman]

2 (peaceful for now) damsels, a maroon clown, and a yellow tang (baby).

Fixed for you!