new amano shrimp suddenly appeared?

etspam

AC Members
Feb 11, 2007
83
1
8
I've had 7 amano shrimp for a long time. At least I thought I did, except last night after I changed water, I counted 8! I periodically count my shrimp, and have never had 8 before, though I've had more than the 7 and had them die. However, if that's the case, then this means I've been miscounting them for a period of several months. Granted they hide and such, but normally I can count them when they swim around to avoid the gravel vacuum, or when they do their wild swimming everywhere constantly thing. I don't suppose it's possible they bred? I've read that you need brackish/salty water to do so, and given that this is a freshwater tank, that would mean it couldn't occur. My weekly or bi-weekly vacuums would've probably sucked up any babies too. I have never noticed one of the shrimp being pregnant, though haven't looked that closely. There was a period of 3+weeks where I was away and everything was on auto mode, so no gravel vacuuming or anything - that would be the only time this could occur I think.

Anyways, am surprised by the appearance of an 8th shrimp (counted four times, and it wasn't molted skin), and was wondering if maybe I just missed the 8th for the last 6 months. He'll probably disappear again.
 
they are great hidders. if your tank is dense with plants that may be the case of it just been hidding, but cool all the same.
 
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