Macrobrachium australiense - limbs grow back

[Macronano]

I have had three of these guys in a tank since April. I thought 2 were female and one was male, because it's literally three times the size of the others. But I read that a dominant male does become oversized, leaving the others small. So now I think that's what happened and I have all males.

I had to separate them because the big one ripped the legs off one of the smaller ones. I didn't notice for a week because he was hiding. He literally had one 'walking' leg left either side and no main claws so he could only hobble along, lurching from side to side.

However, after six weeks' separation and making sure he got food delivered right in front of his nose, this little guy grew back a spindly set of legs that are growing stronger. He hasn't moulted yet, but I am hoping that after he does he will be as good as new. 

I find these guys more interesting than fish or even neocaridina. I think it's those big claws and the way they use them to explore their world as well as brandish them at me when they think I'm holding out on the food. 

Below is recovering victim using new legs and claws.

Edited July 29, 2020 by Macronano

[Crabby]

Wow! I had no idea they could do that, that's so interesting!!! Natives really are fascinating. Good job handling the situation too, sounds like you did exactly the right thing. Poor guy though, hobbling around on 2 legs. Wonder if he looked at you right then and felt as sorry for you (as a two legged human) as you did for him ?

[Macronano]

Maybe he did, but he was a sorry sight. Much better now that he's climbing around on all 10 legs. 

[jayc]

On 7/30/2020 at 5:49 PM, Crabby said:

I had no idea they could do that, that's so interesting!!!

For the record, Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp that is commonly kept, can also regrow lost limbs.

Edited July 31, 2020 by jayc

[Crabby]

Woahhhhhhhhh mind blown