Missing cleaner & fire shrimp

[Paaty]

I put in a cleaner shrimp last week and he was doing well, but I have not seen him in over a day. He would always come out when I fed. I also put in a fire shrimp and he went behind the rocks and never saw him again. Do you think it is a predator?

 

[cloak]

My guess is that they're molting. They usually disappear for a few days when they do this. This might happen about once a month or so and is just a normal part of the growth process. I wouldn't rule out a predator though either. Keep your eyes peeled.

 

[blue98ls1]

My Fire Shrimp took two weeks to become sociable. I agree with the molting idea on the Cleaner, mine would also disappear for a few days and come out much brighter with a skin floating around the tank to boot.

 

[ACBlinky]

Agree with the above. They're likely hiding so they feel safe while their new exoskeletons harden. My cleaner disappears for 2-3 days when he moults. I am not sure where he goes, but he hides REALLY well. The pistol shrimp does the same. You'll probably see a bigger, shinier shrimp in a couple of days : )

 

[Paaty]

I hope you guys are right I'll keep u posted

 

[usmc121581]

I never ever see my fire shrimp, I might catch a quick sighting but nothing more. Once he went missing for a month and then reappeared.

 

[Paaty]

Still no shrimp sightings.

 

[KyleO]

I have 4 fire shrimp in my 210ga reef tank with lots of live rock. Pretty much the only time I get to see my fire shrimp during the day is to feed the tank with dry pellets ......enough to get to the bottom and they will pop out to collect a few and are gone again!

 

[Fish Biscuit]

My cleaner is less social for a day or 2 after a molt, I still see him but he hangs out in the back of the tank.