Feeding shrimp - they aren't the smartest, are they?

Alec M wrote:
My question is: any tips on feeding them?

I have 6 species of shrimp in my small tank and they all go crazy for
algae wafers. My guess is that they'll eat them if they're hungry.

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Victor M. Martinez
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Victor Martinez wrote:
Alec M wrote:

My question is: any tips on feeding them?


I have 6 species of shrimp in my small tank and they all go crazy for
algae wafers. My guess is that they'll eat them if they're hungry.


I agree - I have "Hikari" brand algae wafers, and my Amano shrimp acted
like they were green crack. Wild behavior, rushing toward them, hoarding
pieces jealously. (The first time I put a piece in, I put it in one
single piece - big mistake. The first shrimp that got to it carted it
off all for himself, even though it was bigger than his head.)

That said, I've noticed that they no longer are as adventurous for food
as they once were before I added some tankmates. They seem to hang back
and let the fish have the first go. Though if I feed them pieces with
fingers or tweezers, they still grab them enthusiasticaly. There have
been times when they haven't, but I think that's because I had a strange
scent on my finger, or had accidently bumped them in the nose while feeding.

My suggestion - either up the light/fertilizers to grow more algae, or
stuff the fish first, and then feed the shrimp.

Thanks all for the posts - turns out that what works well for me is:

1. Feed the fish first

2. Get the shrimp used to hand-feeding - they actually eventually
picked up on the fact that this big pink think is a hand bringing them
some tasty shrimp treats (aka algae tablets) and are ok w/ being
handfed.

Now, that's a different take on "shrimp treats" ain't it? (it means
something totally different to my cats).

They are thriving.

Thnx again!

Alec in Providence