cleaner shrimp hiding out!!

[standridge32]

My cleaner shrimp has been hiding all day. I've been told they do this when they molt. Can anyone confirm this? Hes normally very active and always playing around.

 

[Markaveli]

Yes they do hide when they molt to proctect their soft body from getting ate. You will see a empty shrimp shell in the tank

 

[standridge32]

Thanks for confirming that. I have another question will they crawl in spaces they can get stuck?

 

[Markaveli]

How long he's been hiding and do u know where he usually hang out at

 

[standridge32]

He's been there since 1030 this morning and its now ten till 9. And I know where he's at and this is the first time I seen him in this spot. Is under some live rock with a whole the size of a nickel and he's setting in the whole with his tentacles hanging out.

 

[standridge32]

Hole*.......................

 

[Gboy66]

Mine have never gotten stuck as far as i could tell

 

[Markaveli]

Try droppin some food where he's at and see if he come out

 

[standridge32]

I've never had this problem either its weird. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. How long does it take for their new shell to harden. So I know when I should be worried?

 

[Markaveli]

Mine molted last night and he was out eating today

 

[standridge32]

He was hardcore stuck in my live rock

 

[Markaveli]

Did u get him out and is he ok

 

[standridge32]

I did get him out. I placed food outside the whole and he attempted to get it so I picked up the rock and put my finger in the hole trying to get him to back out of the hole and he tried but couldn't so I had to grab his tail and slowly pull him out. Today he is laying on his side kicking. He will prob die I hope not though. It will be the first creature I've lost in my tank.

 

[carey]

My shrimp molt like every other week and its usually a few days before they are out and about again. But usually I can find them if I search hard enough.

 

[Markaveli]

Sorry to. Hear that keep me posted I wanna know if he makes it

 

[standridge32]

Ya that's what I heard but he was legitimately stuck. I seen him trying to come out of the hole for the food and just couldn't get out. I feel bad for him. I really don't know what to do for him he's completely on his side kicking.

 

[alLexX]

Ya that's what I heard but he was legitimately stuck. I seen him trying to come out of the hole for the food and just couldn't get out. I feel bad for him. I really don't know what to do for him he's completely on his side kicking.

as long as nothing that cant be fixed by moultingh is damaged,if you keep him alive until his next moult he should be fien

 

[Gboy66]

Cant you lift up the rock?? Where is he exactly?

 

[standridge32]

I'm trying I have him all by himself so the fish don't pick at him since he is on his side kicking. And yes I got him out already. He's not stuck anymore.

 

[Gboy66]

Oh good.. On his side kicking..poor guy what type