My CBS shedded...

MikeP · #1 07-19-2006, 12:52 AM

My coral banded shrimp shedded for the first time what should I do with the old shell/skin? Is it benificial to leave it in the tank? Will he eat it? Or should I remove it?

Thanks

Beverly · #2 07-19-2006, 01:04 AM

I usually leave the molt in the tank. It seems to disappear after a day or so. I doubt the shrimp eats it.

MikeP · #3 07-19-2006, 03:23 AM

Thanks Beverly. I had a blue crayfish in my freshwater tank at one time and the guy at the LFS said it was good to leave the molt in for him to eat.

Moogled · #4 07-20-2006, 07:01 AM

Correct me if I'm extremely wrong, but I assume that crayfish and other invertebrates eat their own molt to replenish the calcium that is lost during the shedding.

I think it's the same case with shrimp, no?

MikeP · #5 07-20-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moogled

Correct me if I'm extremely wrong, but I assume that crayfish and other invertebrates eat their own molt to replenish the calcium that is lost during the shedding.

I think it's the same case with shrimp, no?

I figured so. Thats why I posted the question though I'm a newbie and wasn't 100% sure if it was the same as freshwater inverts. I've had a few freshwater crayfish and I always left the molt in the tank for them.

Cheers

albert_dao · #6 07-20-2006, 07:27 PM

I've never seen a marine shrimp turn around and eat its molt.