Shrimp Dead or Hiding?

[Grymatta]

I think one of my Amano shrimps molted cause I can see parts of his shell lying there on the gravel. However, I havent seen him for about 2-3 days and I'm wondering if he really did molt...or just died/got eaten.

Is there any way to tell if a shrimp really molted vs. dying and having its body consumed? If a fish ate his dead body..would they leave the shell?

 

[TLH]

Hmm,I don't know if they would leave the shell or not,it's rather tough though.Take it out and see if the legs are hollow and whether it has a split in the back.

Most likely it's in hiding.I sometimes don't see mine for an age then they just appear again.They are very hardy,I wouldn't worry too much about him.

 

[Grumpy_Marine]

what fish do you have in the tank with him? i bought some ghost shrimp and within two days my tank was shrimp free... i know loaches like shrimp as much as snails.

 

[iamcowboy]

If your tank is planted medium to heavy, I would say probably hiding. I have about 8 but can rarely find more than 3 or 4 at one time. The only way I can keep count is usually immediately following a water change and plant pruning.

 

[Grymatta]

the shell is in two halves...one with the tail on it and another with just the legs. It looks like a molted shell but I cant be too sure.

I have a planted tank with neon tetras, one dwarf gouarmi, an otto, and an ADF...

 

[Lotus]

Fish seem to eat the whole thing when they eat a shrimp. I would assume he moulted and is hiding somewhere. They're vulnerable when they've just molted, and will usually find somewhere protected to hide.

 

[joeyjoeq]

Tough call?!?! Do you have any fish that may be responsible on eating him?

 

[Grumpy_Marine]

yea none of the fish you listed seem like shrimp eaters, so i would count on him hiding... check base of plants and leaves perhaps he is climbing in plants or something.

 

[Grymatta]

yeah...I think hes hiding. I left half an algae wafer to feed my otto last night but the otto didnt like the wafer. When I woke up this morning..something had eaten the whole thing. I know all my fishes and ADF dont like the wafer.....so it must have been the shrimp.

BTW...what kind of algae wafers are you supposed to feed ottos? I tried the green kind by Hikari thats made for plecos but my otto didnt like it....

 

[TLH]

Starve him for a couple of days then give him another.He'll probably eat it then.Fish get used to the same foods and sometimes won't eat others straight away without a little creative encouragement.

 

[Grymatta]

I'll try that trick...thanks!