PPMD:Peacock post-molt depression

srude

New member
So my peacock had his first molt this weekend and I unfortunatey had to move. I get him in where i wanna see him and I notice he is suking in his burrow. Then I see the skins.Dactyls are sweet! Anyway, he's not too tough and keeping to his burrow, so I give him a day with the 20 running awaiting him.

He was transferred to his new digs (20long) with 10 pounds ive sand, 10 pounds new aragonite, 20 pounds cured rock and a protein skimmer.

The 20 has some critters I found in my 40 reef that I thought might be good for the tank. a few hermits (munchies), a few astreas and an urchin.

He shows no interest. This shedding of skin/moving has made him depressed. I'm sad for the guy. He has a new burrow he ikes and never ventures out.
What is the recovery time for a stomotopod molt?:sad2:
 
An O. scyllarus will take a few days to begin eating soft food and several days to take armored prey. They should not be handled or moved for at least a couple of day following a molt. The resulting struggle can be fatal.

Roy
 
Should I try feeding him soft foods? What is recommended? I suppose I can get some krill, or seafood from a local supermarket. He appears to be content and healthy at this point, just somewhat reluctant. He has started coming out of his cave a little. What can I do to make him more comfortable?
 
Normally the first thing they would eat is the soft parts of the molt skin. Freeze dried krill works as does smashed live snail. There is really nothing to worry about. Typically they won't feed except on the molt skin for four or five days.

Roy
 
I tried to give him some mysis tonight and he wolfed it down. Pig! I'm actually pretty relieved. Thanks for your help, Dr. Roy. You are such an asset to this board.
Next time I will be wiser, he will not be harassed and allowed to stay in his tank!!!
How long between molts? Are they like lunar cycles, or closer to "feminine cycles"?

I think that he likely had Pre-Molt Syndrome for a couple day before his cycle.

(oh man, sometimes I'm so FN corny!)
 
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