Back in September I picked up 4 of these things, unknowing at first how aggressive they would be, and last month increasing to 7 in a 29G (5 males and 2 females). They kept me quite entertained over the past few months. Bold little creatures. They're in a community tank with some Tetras, Corydoras, Nerite Snails and an African Dwarf Frog. Up till now haven't lost any fish per say, although they do try. And a month ago added 2 cherry shrimp to kinda test the waters (they're still alive). But the tank doesn't lack hiding places.
Like the literature I've read on these creatures, I rarely see the females ... and most activity happens at night. They all have their own cave/corner/nitch to hide in, including the females.
I'd say so far the highlights of watching these guys in action would be the time I watched one male grab a Red Serpae by the tail and laid it flat to the tank bottom (fish got away). The other would be when another male decided to grab a corydora and got dragged part way across the tank before letting go.
Anyhow when I first got these guys I was curious about compatibility with nerite snails. They've been together since the end of September with no major issues. I'd see the Macro's pester the Nerites once in awhile ... but nothing came of it/no snails perished. Until a of couple days ago.
I noticed a Nerite let go of some wood and float to the bottom landing on its back (happens quite often and sometimes comical to watch them right themselves). Figured I'd continue with what I was doing and check on the show later.
Big mistake, these Macro's are opportunistic it turns out
Came back to see this male Macro. killing my Nerite. (The Nerites are about the only tank mates I don't want to lose in this tank ... guess they'll be moving). So went to find my camera, by the time I got back the Nerite was dead and becoming dinner.
An older pic of one that's a little more clearer. These guys do change color with their environment. When I picked up the 3 males back in November, they had a lot of blue to their bodies (whereas mine 4 at home had more red) before a day had past the 3 males were becoming more red in my tank. It all depends on their surroundings.
Back in September I was skeptical if these were in fact Chameleon Shrimp, but now I'm thinking I wasn't duped so to speak.
Like the literature I've read on these creatures, I rarely see the females ... and most activity happens at night. They all have their own cave/corner/nitch to hide in, including the females.
I'd say so far the highlights of watching these guys in action would be the time I watched one male grab a Red Serpae by the tail and laid it flat to the tank bottom (fish got away). The other would be when another male decided to grab a corydora and got dragged part way across the tank before letting go.
Anyhow when I first got these guys I was curious about compatibility with nerite snails. They've been together since the end of September with no major issues. I'd see the Macro's pester the Nerites once in awhile ... but nothing came of it/no snails perished. Until a of couple days ago.
I noticed a Nerite let go of some wood and float to the bottom landing on its back (happens quite often and sometimes comical to watch them right themselves). Figured I'd continue with what I was doing and check on the show later.
Big mistake, these Macro's are opportunistic it turns out
Came back to see this male Macro. killing my Nerite. (The Nerites are about the only tank mates I don't want to lose in this tank ... guess they'll be moving). So went to find my camera, by the time I got back the Nerite was dead and becoming dinner.
An older pic of one that's a little more clearer. These guys do change color with their environment. When I picked up the 3 males back in November, they had a lot of blue to their bodies (whereas mine 4 at home had more red) before a day had past the 3 males were becoming more red in my tank. It all depends on their surroundings.
Back in September I was skeptical if these were in fact Chameleon Shrimp, but now I'm thinking I wasn't duped so to speak.