Algae growing on Cleaner Shrimp?

[Bob60070]

My cleaner shrimp has what looks like green algae on his shell and the base of his antenna. Is this a concern?

 

[charlesr1958]

No, not really. Having algae and other epiphytes grow on their exoskeletons is normal but that is all cleared up the next time the shrimp molts.

Chuck

 

[charlesr1958]

Meant to add that if the shrimp has recently been eating algae, its stomach contents (algae) can be visible through the carapace and give it a green appearance also.

Chuck

 

[mgers21]

when mine has green on the bottom it usualy has it babies soon, none ever survive but its cool seeing them on the glass. do you have a pair?

 

[Bob60070]

No pair. It cleared 2 days after it showed up and just before I did a water change. I did see the shell if it molted and it did not hide away as it usually does after molting.