Peacock question

[Toyota Guy]

hey folks,

I have a question about my mantis. I have a peacock that is about 4 1/2 - 5" in length. He currently resides in my sump. I have had him for about a month now and He is one really cool little critter! From the time I have gotten him his colors have been vibrant and just incredible. he eats like a pig..... he is fed silversides, krill, live clams, snails and hitch hiker crabs.

My question is as of the morning, his color is off. He has gone from deep green to a brownish blah looking color. My water parameters are all in check (my system is 100% SPS) and everything looks fantastic except for him.

Is he getting ready to molt? I offered him a silverside this morning and he turned away from it...... he never refuses food....

I hope it's only the begining of a molt..... I don't want to loose him

Any help would be great

Chris

 

[Pea-brain]

They often refuse food within a week or so of the molt, and they can turn colors from them changing the pressure under their shell to get ready for a molt.

Dan

 

[Gonodactylus]

I suspect that the animal has already molted and has buried the molt skin. Color does not change dramatically or rapidly except during the molt.

Roy

 

[Toyota Guy]

Thanks guys. I will keep you posted on what I find when I get home. Of course this has to happen when I am going outta town for work..... I hope that he is OK

Thanks again,
Chris