Cleaner Shrimp Stealing Anemone's Food

[Slainte]

So I just got a skunk cleaner shrimp, and he quickly took to taking the food right out of my anemone's mouth as soon as I put it there (with a baster). I assume this is a pretty common problem. What do you guys do to prevent this?

Thanks.

 

[daveb]

Give the cleaner something to nibble on first.

 

[afboundguy]

+1 on giving cleaner some food first. I have to do that when I spot feed the acans and sun corals and I still have to fend him of for a bit

Also you don't have to feed your anemone. I haven't feed mine in over a year and it's all puffed up and has bubbled tips which is a sign of it being happy.

I used to spot feed before I moved in with Kim and it would always split due to the feeding. Now that I have a mixed reef I don't want it moving so I haven't feed it. Just something to think about...