They’ve gone into hiding

[NP21]

I had six RCS in my Fluval Spec V and around a week ago lost one to a failed molt. Thinking likely too big of a water change. The others did fine, however they have resorted to hiding almost 24/7 a couple days after loosing that one. It’s a moderately planted tank but given its size there’s really only a few places to hide I can’t see.

 

Any thoughts on why they’ve gone into hiding? Would the decrease in numbers really make them feel more vulnerable?

 

 

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[jayc]

It could be incorrect water parameters, causing them to hide.

What are your pH, KH, GH, temps, and TDS? 

Hopefully you have test kits for these parameters.

[NP21]

pH is 7.0 (new spider wood keeping it lower) but stable, GH7, KH4.

TDS meter is on the way. Temp is ~70 (no heater, stable room temp)

 

I have seen a couple successful molts since the death as well. I would normally see 4-6 of them around the tank and now it’s maybe 2. No other new additions or changes.

 

 

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[jayc]

Were the moults recent? Shrimps have have moutled recently usually go into hiding for a while. That could explain some of the hiding.

Your parameters look okay for cherry shrimps. Hopefully your TDS is below 200, but you will find out when you get the TDS meter.

What about Nitrates?

 

 

 

[sdlTBfanUK]

It is probably several factors, firstly as JayC states, they hide when they moult as they are very vulnerable until their new shell hardens. As you say as well they are more likely to emerge the more other shrimp are out and about (and you only have a few at this point) as they must feel safer I assume. I have also noticed over the years that the weather affects them, when it is a bright sunny day less of them come out (even though my tank is not near direct light) so if the weather where you are is as changeable as here (UK, unlikely though) they may be reacting to that! A bright sunny day and they don't come out much here, but being UK we don't get too many of those.

You shouln't really need to do any more than 10% water changes unless you are still cycling the tank (or have fish in the tank as well), and that could kill shrimp, but add any new water slowly with some sort of dripper setup!

It sounds like you are doing well in reality. I always lose some shrimp (or even fish) of any new batchs and think losing 1 of 6 in the first couple of weeks pretty much the norm. Hopefully the rest will do fine and start breeding soon?

Simon 

[NP21]

Thanks for all the input and ideas. The molts were several days ago so I would’ve expected them to come back out by now (at least they did before). The big water change wasn’t intended either...got carried away vacuuming the gravel.

I’m hoping I have a male but not completely sure. Here’s a couple pictures of possible males, but I think they’re likely female:








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[sdlTBfanUK]

I can't be too sure with those photos, but I THINK I can make out the 3rd side section circle that would be females, but it is difficult to see on those pictures!

Try watching this video then you may be able to see if you can tell:

https://skfaquatics.com/forum/forums/topic/14104-telling-male-from-female-shrimp/?tab=comments#comment-134729

They look nice healthy shrimp. You only need 1 male for multiple females so hopefully 1 is male and you should be covered!

Simon

[jayc]

Agree with Simon. Depending on how old the 3 shrimps pictured are, they could be females.