Sexual dimorphism in cleaner shrimp?

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by Doratus, Sep 20, 2011.

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  1. Doratus

    Doratus Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    I have two cleaner shrimp who always seem to be hanging out together. One is rather large and the other is much smaller. The smaller of the two was added to the tank a couple of months after the first, and hasn't grown much, if at all. I'm fairly certain they are male and female, and I'm fairly certain that the larger shrimp is the female. The reason I think this is because on two separate occasions the larger shrimp was carrying a batch of eggs.

    So now I wonder if shrimp in general are hermaphroditic, and if so, does the 'male' generally stay small while the female grows?

    Thanks!
     
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  3. Dingo

    Dingo Giant Squid

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    They are all both sexes at once... Meaning that they can fertilize their own eggs.

    Green eggs are fertile and tan eggs are infertile
     
  4. Doratus

    Doratus Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Alright thank you. I'll have to take a closer look next time at the color of the eggs.
     
  5. thepanfish

    thepanfish Flying Squid

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    Althought it is not proven, no reported self spawns have occured. It is commonly thought that a mate must be present to produce viable egg. Also, all eggs are green, whether fertile or not, and will turn tan if infertile after a few days.