What is shrimp molting?

Hi all, I don't really know why shrimps molt so I have a couple of questions on this topic for some experienced hobbyist ;D

Ok first of all is it good for shrimps to molt? if so how often? and what are the requriments for them to do it?


Thanks for all info

 

SHRIMP MOLT BECAUSE THEY GROW BUT THERE SHELL DOESN'T SO THEY MOLT SO THAT THEY CAN GROW. SO, ITS A GOOD THING I THINK ITS EVERY 3-8 WEEKS. THE SHRIMP WILL REQUIRE CORRECT LEVELS OF IODINE TO PROMOTE PROPER MOLTING

 

Shrimp are inverts with an exoskeleton. When they grow, the need a new exoskeleton, a shell in this case, and so they shed the old and a new slightly larger on is there . The new exoskelton takes several hours to harden up so this happens at night when there are less predators and less risk of being eaten.

My Red Skunk Cleaner shrimp molt once per month. They are hermaphroditic, able to change sexes, and as a pair will switch between mail and female with each molt. They mot on altrnating two week cycles.

Molt, that empty shrimp shell in your tank that makes you think your shrimp died, molt!

 

The reason I'm asking is that I had 1 cleaner for a while and I know it molted a week ago. Recently I got a new one and they started to hang out together from the beginning. The next day one of them molted again so what i'm thinking and reading from your posts the new one probably molted to change the sex.

Babies are coming [smiley=baby.gif] [smiley=baby.gif] [smiley=baby.gif] [smiley=baby.gif]

 

Yes babies are coming, the larva will be good food for your tank.  They are in the process of synchronizing their molt!

 

is it possible to raise the shrimps fry?
and is it hard?

 

Your mechanical filtration and fish will make short work of the larva. You would need a special breeder tank.

 

It is definitely possible to raise the fry. And at first it will sound difficult to accomplish, however, once you read the proccess a couple of times and read other articles on similar subjects you'll understand it and it will seem ridiculous that you didn't attempt it before.

Here is an article from the breeders registry on this subject, it should make for good reading. Should you need any more information, please feel free to send me a message.

http://www.breeders-registry.gen.ca.us/Reprints/FAMA/v17_aug94/scarlet.htm