Baby peppermint shrimp all over!!

[kevin21]

well, i was bored, so i was looking around for my emerald crab and there in a semi-big crevice under a rock theres hundreds of baby peppermint shrimp!

some are unbelievably small, while others are maybe half a centimeter.

i was wondering if i could attract them with something, so that maybe i could hang them on the side of the tank. you know feed them separatly and stuff. it would also assure they dont get eaten!

you guys have any suggestions?

 

[Peacefrog]

hey kevin very cool
I had the same thing happen in my tank awhile back.
I siphoned them out with a hose into a seperate container to protect them.I used one that fit in the tank,that had holes in the lid.
your LFS has breeding traps for sale or you could use a plastic one with holes punched out.This allows the tank water to circulate ,while protecting your fish from indulging in some tasty treats.good luck with them.

 

[kevin21]

so if i took some thick airline tubing and shoved it under the rock they were under...it would syphon most of them out?

sounds pretty cool....that wouldnt kill them. wouldnt you think the shock of all that would kill such a little thing?

thanks

 

[Peacefrog]

try to use a lg. diameter size tubing.like3/8 or 1/2 "
that will slow the flow down enough for them.

 

[kevin21]

ok,

the plastic container wouldnt work with holes! they would just swim out! im gonna run to petland and see if they have a nice container. i hope some of them live!

thanks for the advice!

 

[dougwilliams]

and then once they grow up a bit more you can sell some to me

 

[kevin21]

i hope do....you know what doug, if they grow up some more and are healthy theyll be on sale for 2 dollars each! add the lira discount to that and there 1.80! lol

i would probably give them away if any of them make it....i just hope they do.

 

[Corpus Callosum]

some are half a centimeter big? that's incredible, those may actually make it!

 

[kevin21]

yea? i hope so...some are like microscopic...others bigger and then the biggest i see if a half centimeter.

lets hope they make it!

 

[Justjoe]

Kevin,
My guess is they are not baby peppermint shrimp, and are probably a type of live mysis shrimp which are great to have.
Most newly hatched shrimp like peppermints, cleaner, etc have a free floating larval stage which lasts around 3 weeks.
But still be happy you have the mysis, they are a great critter to have in your tank.
Joe

 

[kevin21]

thats cool, i figured it had to be because i saw a whole bunch of white eggs on one of them.

the look just like em!

thanks

 

[Reef Junkie]

Very nice Kevin, do you have a pic?

 

[kevin21]

nah, its impossible to get a picture...way to small...the more i look at them, the more i think there pep shrimps.

well maybe a couple will make it?

 

[Reef@Dowling]

Photos??

Photos??

Kevin I have a Digital Microscopy setup in my lab at Dowling and would be glad to do some Photography for you if you are interested just PM me
Russ

 

[kevin21]

that would be cool, i might be able to get some pics if i syphon them out and put them in a container?

that might work...im just scared to kill them!

 

[billsreef]

Best trick for gathering larvae is to turn the lights off at night, and the pumps. Than stick a bright flashlight over the top, the larvae will congregate under the light

 

[kevin21]

oh yeaa, thats right! they also do that for clownfish larvae after hatching! thanks for the input bill...ill try to do it tonight! there under a rock but ill see if any come to the surface.

 

[Spracklcat]

Ask Chris--he's a pro at gathering his baby clowns, ad he's got a whole system set up.

 

[kevin21]

yes, ive seen his set-up...its pretty impressive. i think he uses a special DIY catcher to gather in the larvae, if im not mistaken?

 

[Corpus Callosum]

if you ever end up capturing them and they're live mysis shrimp ill be in line incase you ever want to get rid of them