"cleaner" shrimp question

[Naiad]

I have a skunk cleaner shrimp and a blood shrimp. I know that the blood shrimp is actually a type of cleaner shrimp but was told that it is not very common for them to exhibit this behavior in the aquarium. I purchased it mainly because I thought it was beautiful. What I have noticed though, is that some fish will go to the skunk to be cleaned, one fish will actually be cleaned by the blood shrimp, and some have no interest in either one. Does this have something to do with which types of cleaning shrimp are found in these fish's native homes?

[katymunoz]

Not sure to answer your question, just wanted to say that I have the same experience. Some fish of mine go to both.... Whoever is closer I guess.

[dputt88]

thats pretty intresting.

[Sharkbaitz]

Yep I've seen my blood shrimps clean fish as well. At first it was mainly the cleaner shrimps, but now my blood does it too.

[SaltLife]

Mine was doing the same thing and was wondering as well.

[Chris!]

Yes both are types of cleaner shrimp, and it is likely that the ones from the region where bloods are found will go to them if available, although other fish will as well if service is needed, but the skunk or common cleaner shrimp are often used more.