Do Cleaner Shrimp Change Color

Hi Guys,

The title pretty much says it. I got a new cleaner shrimp last week and its body was pretty much a clear translucent color. My older shrimp had more of a dark yellow translucent color. After a few days, they were both the same dark yellow color. One of them did molt, but I don't know which it was. I also don't think the change happened until a few days after I saw the molt. The are both doing great but was wondering if anyone else had noticed anything like that. I don't know if it is an age thing or if it is environmental. Thanks!!!!

 

You know, all my cleaner shrimp did very well and molted like crazy. I can't really say they ever dulled or changed color though. I'd just keep an eye out.

 

On mine it depends on what they eat,if I go a day or so without feeding the tank they eat off the rocks and their bellies are a green color otherwise its a yellowish color but thats just their bellies,bodies stay the same no matter what.

 

My Blue bullseye Pistol changed from a peach and blue color to a coral pink and purple.

 

I had a Cleaner for over 2 yrs until recently and it never changed color. He molted regularly, but I never saw a change in the coloring. I've never heard of Cleaners changing color, but that doesnt mean that they dont. You never know with Mother Nature.



luna

 

Same experience here... mine never changed color but then again you never know... just keep an eye on them.

 

I have noticed this, but its when they are acclimating. They turn a clear translucent color. You can still see their red markings but everything else is clear. I have also seen this is cleaners that are very stressed and on the verge of dying. It seems that its just an environment reaction.

 

Thanks for all of the replies. His red parts have never changed color. He acclimated very well and has been working and cleaning since I got him. Perhaps he was just getting used to the new tank. I did get him online. so I am sure that was a stressful trip. I will keep my eye on him though. Thanks!!!!!

 

i never noticed a change of color, i do notice after a molt he is very shiny, as he should i guess.

 

Mine changed color as well. I brought them home and they were more translucent. Now their colors are very sharp.