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I've been kicking around the idea of getting an invertebrate of some kind for a tank, but have no experience with them. Seems as though each type has its drawbacks (snails reproducing too rapidly, shrimp being eaten by fish, clams needing a lot of waterflow, etc).

Generally speaking is there one invertebrate that can be recommended for a freshwater community tank? Some of the literature I've read indicates that the Malaysian trumpet snails are pretty hardy and trouble-free. Any thoughts?

"I am a believer in punctuality, though it makes me very lonely" EV Lucas

MTS are good for tanks and dont require much from the aquarist. Apple Snails (P. Brigdessi) wont eat healthy plants and their reproduction is easily managed, as they lay their eggs above the waterline. There are many different options with shrimp, some are very small while others get fairly large(3in).

I'll do graffiti,
If you sing to me in French.

anothr gud snail is nerites...they r small..they wont reproduce...they wont eat ur plants..will keep ur tank in check with algae...for shrmips...theres amano...cliche as it is but they r gud.

http://www.azgardens.com

that's not exactly true about apple snails. there are some apple snails which will devour any and all plants you put in your tank, and others will leave them alone if they are well fed.

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"That's the trouble with political jokes in this country... they get elected!" -- Dave Lippman

There are many different options with shrimp, some are very small while others get fairly large(3in).

Some Macrobrachium spp. can attain lengths exceeding 26 inches (including chelipeds).

I know, thats why i included the scientific name. Since apple snail, mystery snail, etc could refer to several types of apple snail (some plant friendly, some not), i make sure to use the scientific name


Edit: I forgot the Macrobracium species, I stand corrected.

Last edited by katieb at 07-Jul-2005 12:19

I'll do graffiti,
If you sing to me in French.

Will small SA cichlids like Bol. Rams, apistos or Angels harass or eat shrimp like amano?

"I am a believer in punctuality, though it makes me very lonely" EV Lucas

The shrimp would probably be snacks. Possibly not but most cichlids or gouramis are not compatible with shrimp. Most of those fish especially angels will also pick on applesnails and steadily nip off parts of their body slowly killing them. There aren't many inverts that can be kept with cichlids. Malaysian trumpet snails would survive alright and do a good job of cleaning your substrate without multiplying out of control. Unless you feed the tank alot and then they will keep multiplying as long as there is more food than they can eat. I haven't tried nerites with angels so I don't know about those.