Lost my cleaner shrimp last night

[alkamar]

I noticed my cleaner shrimp wasn't as active the past few days. Unfortunately, last night he died. I had him over a year but I'm not sure how old he was at the time of purchase. I've heard they only live 2 or 3 years. Is this correct? I can't believe a shrimp has me feeling so down. My brother would laugh at that.

 

[bshumake]

Are you sure it wasn't a molt?

 

[alkamar]

I am sure. I got him out just as the hermits started in on the body. I was used to his molts. I put him in my small refugium overnight just in case, but he was done. I checked water parameters just in case. The only thing different was I recently added a peppermint shrimp, which I haven't seen since adding.

 

[Mako Shark II]

Bummer. Mine "blew his coat" and molted.

I thought I lost him after the "schigara acquisition", but he was just coming out of his skin apparently.

Cleaners life span (Lysmata amboinensis) looks like it should be 3-5 Years.

Issues: Nitrates & Copper, and of course a certain Flame Red Hawkfish. (That goofball used to eat my Peppermints all the time.)

Here's a stock photo of the little "Skunk".

 

[MrRyanT]

I've read everything from 2-3 yrs up to 5-7 yrs. Sorry to hear about your loss.

 

[alkamar]

When I get another one I want to make sure it is young. I may get the blood shrimp next time, but I'm not in a hurry to replace him.

 

[bshumake]

I was bummed out when mine died. but i never saw a body. He just disappeared......Oooo.....

 

[Mako Shark II]

The only reason I knew to blame the Hawkfish, was the prodigious amount of antennae sticking through his lips. What a jerk!

 

[Mako Shark II]

Evertime this happens, I freak!

Evertime this happens, I freak!

He did it again! He "BLEW his Coat"!

This is like a bi-weekly event around here. And everytime this happens, I freak out, because I think I just lost my Cleaner Shrimp like Marcus did. :sad1:

Then, I see long waving antennae poking up in back from behind the rock.

How often does these dudes shed their skin and molt??? This guy's obviously happy and growing.

 

[shirley386]

Re: Evertime this happens, I freak!

Re: Evertime this happens, I freak!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15449397#post15449397 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mako Shark II
This is like a bi-weekly event around here.
How often does these dudes shed their skin and molt??? This guy's obviously happy and growing.

Do you dose iodine?

 

[alkamar]

Mine was once or twice a month. He was pretty big compared to the ones at the LFS.

 

[Mako Shark II]

Re: Re: Evertime this happens, I freak!

Re: Re: Evertime this happens, I freak!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15450534#post15450534 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by shirley386
Do you dose iodine?

Not directly. Just weekly 20g water changes. Why?

 

[shirley386]

Crustaceans will molt prematurely to purge themselves of excess iodine. Some people dose (or overdose) iodine on a regular basis because others recommend it. Just thought I would mention it.