Shrimp behavior

[czukowski]

We have a scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp who used to hang out in the front area of the tank, messing around and what not.

Now he just sits behind the live rock all day. I don't recall ever seeing him out in front anymore.

Is this normal behavior for a shrimp, could it be he's getting pestered by one of our fish?

 

[skipm]

At the very least he feels vulnerable when out in the front for some reason, one of the fish could be harassing him or there is too much activity in the room so he feels threatened. Keep an eye on the fish and if they are not bothering him it could be that he just needs time to get comfortable in the tank again.

 

[proraptor]

My shrimp was always out till I got my 4 line wrasse....Now he hangs upside down in a cave

 

[EDGRAY]

Same here....my 5 month old clown got mean :twisted: so know my cleaner shrimp is in the back of aquascape and used to be in the open like a happy horsy always swimming in the open with benny....but does days are over.... so ill say look who is going for him maybe thats why he is hidding but he will be ok even if you dont fix the problem... :mrgreen:

Eddy

 

[czukowski]

I half figured the harassment issue. So I watched him in "his" area last night and I think my Fire Angel is the one pestering him. He goes to the shrimp's location and the shrimp will lunge at him.

The Fire Angel is pretty skittish, so he bolts, but then comes back. Could be the source of his issues.

He seems to be fine back in the back so..... not much I can do.

 

[skipm]

It sounds like you have found your answer but I thought it would be a good place to add that it is quite normal for shrimp to disappear and become skiddish for a day or two after they molt, this is to give their new shell a chance to properly harden since they are quite vulnerable during this time.