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View Full Version : My shrimp molted yesterday!!!


patoloco
03-01-2006, 9:31 AM
Hi there.

I have a freshy shrimp in my planted tank and yesterday I saw him carrying something translucent. I was affraid that could be a dead fish but when I had a clearer view it had the shrimp's shape, so I understood it was his old skin.

I tried to pick it with a forceps but shrimpy would get mad at me and didn't let me take it. I was affraid his body could be soft, so i gave up. Today in the morning we were in a blackout so I was unable to watch inside the tank.

The shedded skin was flat against the gravel, and I thought it would remain erect after a molt. This is my first molting experience, so I don't know how this process is supposed to be carried by me or the shrimp. Also, it seemed like he was eating his former skin. Is this normal?

YuccaPatrol
03-01-2006, 9:36 AM
Everything you observed is absolutely normal. You don't need to help him out of his shell. Crustaceans often eat their shed shells because they contain the proteins needed to form their new one.

Molting is a sign of growth and health, so you should be happy that your shrimp is happy.

Pretty neat, huh?

LittlePuff
03-01-2006, 11:03 AM
Leave the shell in the tank. It is high in calcium and the shrimp might eat it to help harden his new shell.

Kim

patoloco
03-01-2006, 11:08 AM
:)