Cherry shrimp legs?

Twistersmom

Twistersmom

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Jan 17, 2009
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I am new to cherry shrimp.
Anyone know why cherry shrimp are always moving their legs?
Funny little things to watch! One of them kept rolling some food around with its legs the other day.
I read some believe its to help them breath, pulling air their way?
 
Here is an anatomy chart from the shrimp farm you may find helpful:
dwarf_shrimp_anatomy.jpg

The different legs have different functions, which were you referring to?
 
It would be their walking legs that are always on the go. They will be sitting in one spot, with the legs going up and down.
 
twords their mouths?????
 
No, there is lots of air in the tank, don't think air is the problem. They look as though the are marching in place. Is this not normal for them?
 
Its kind of difficult for me to envision what you are talking about. I just went and looked at mine and yes, they are quite active. But I don't really know if yours are having a problem or what. They are constantly eating. How fast is the flow of water in your tank? If its to fast for them they may be trying to hold on for dear life is all I can thnk of. Great reference Rach! :) I have that one in my shrimp book! I find it very handy!!!!
 
There is alot of flow. I placed them in my uncycled 10 gal with a marineland bio-wheel 100 and sponge filter from a cycled tank running off an air pump.
I just checked on them again, and they seem to be settling down.
Poor things were in a breeders net for a few weeks, until I decided to set up the QT tank for them. Maybe they are just over joyed now that they have room to move.
My original plan was to put them in with my fish, but they are a little to small for that.
 
In this pic, you can actually see the tiny pinchers at the ends of the maxillipeds. They seem to be steady on the go, until they find something to eat, then often freeze.
DSC_0019.jpg
 
Thanks Friar tuck, under closer inspection, it is their maxillipeds.
So all is well, they are just looking for food.
 
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