Cannibalistic Shrimp ?

[Gravesj1s]

I've seen a few others here in the URS make statements regarding missing shrimp and question weather other sp. of shrimp might be responsable.

At this point I'm starting to question this myself.

I initialy added 4(Lysmata wurdemanni) peppermint shrimp to my aquarium for the benefit and ability to easily breed-good source of plankton for other inhabitants.I got a little frustrated with policeing and trying to directly feed some lps and the shrimps constant harassment with stealing food ,so ,I decided to put the shrimp in the sump,its at that time I noticed I only had 2 shrimp out of the initial 4.
So,I purchased 4 more giving me a total of 6 all in the sump.Everything seemed fine until I started a simple maitenence task of the sump and notice once again ,only 2 of the shrimp remain.
Oddly ,Ive never seen any aggresive behavior that would that would send up a redflag.If they are killing each other off I think it would have to be during molt and reason it goes unnoticed.
Not sure if its just plain oversight on my part here but it certainly seems worth asking if anyone else has had similar experiences.

 

[eugeneK]

i had 3 in my tank, i thought there were dead for moths and when i wasmoving rock from tank to tank out of the woodwork they came. so i wouldnt be surprised if they are still alive.

 

[Gravesj1s]

Hmmm,yeah that could be,perhaps just oversight on my part.At the time of purchase their must of been 30 or so in a small tank,as juveniles ,maybe an inch long.So it seemed safe to think they weren't cannibalistic.Im also, pretty sure the life expectancy is more than a few months.
Probably oversight but interest in knowing what other experiences are never hurts.

 

[superkat]

my experience with pepps is that they HIDE VERY VERY WELL.

 

[Gravesj1s]

LOL, I hear ya kat.I'll have to be a little more observative.Still a "gut feeling" at the moment but will see.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I wouldn't put cannibalism beyond the means of Lysmata wurdemanni.
I have pix of one making breakfast of a Stomatella.