cleaner shrimp

nemo79 · 10-08-2006, 08:40 PM

my cleaner shrimp molted two weeks ago and then molted again friday. well this time his atannea grew really short when they were long before. He is also more shy and hiding. I recently started using reefchem reef status and my ca is 350ppm (what is with having to use distilled water for this test?) I am supplementing with esv bionic and my alk and ph have stayed steady at 9dkh and 8.2. What is going on?
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SAW39 · 10-08-2006, 10:07 PM

It may be as simple as it was damaged during the molt. It happens. If so, it will grow back. My Banded Coral Shrimp is always a little more shy for a day after he molts. He molts every 3-4 weeks.
I wouldn't worry too much, but keep an eye out for a hermit crab or other denizen who may be hassling him.

Pisces23 · 10-09-2006, 05:41 AM

After molting crustaceans lay low because for a while until their exoskeleton has a chance to harden again. Your shrimp might just be playing it safe for a few days.

karlas · 10-18-2006, 03:48 AM

My cleaner shrimp molt very often sometimes an antenna breaks off but if it does it always grows back. They usually stay in the back of the tank for 2-3 days after a molt then there back out front sporting there red n whites like normal.

wil3357 · 10-18-2006, 05:09 PM

He will be OK. Mine molted and lost one antenna and it grew back, He lost another one when I tried to "guide" him out of the way, you know how they get in the middle of things when your doing something.