did my lobster die or did he molt?

[Packersfan21]

Did my Debelius Reef Lobster die or did he molt? This afternoon I noticed pices of either the lobster or his exoskelton in the front of the tank. I can't post a pic but if anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated.




Thanks,
Matt

 

[mokeyz]

It is probably a molt and if it is your lobster is going to probably be sedentary for 24 hours. Since they are nocturnal you may not see him until tomorrow night.

 

[ginger7286]

My shrimp molt all the time. I was told the easiest way to tell is to look at the ecto-skelton, if it appears to be in two pieces and the antenna are intact on the skeleton it is a molt. The skeletons usually come off into 2 pieces and the shrimp slide out. I think that is the coolest thing.

 

[Packersfan21]

well there were 4 to 5 pieces but the antenna were still intact so i guess it provably was a molt. Thanks for the help.

 

[freestone]

should you remove the molted exoskeleton??

 

[sjfishguy]

You can remove it, I try to when I can. It will just be another source of organics in your tank if you don't. But if you can't its no big deal. I have left dozens in the tank over the years.

 

[Packersfan21]

Now i'm getting worried that he did die. I haven't seen him since he supposedly "molted."