Dear Crabby: The Advice column for Lovers of Freshwater Invertebrates

Dear Crabby: The Advice column for Lovers of Freshwater Invertebrates

September 27th 2024

Dear Crabby Column

Snails, Shrimp, and Egg-ceptions!

Welcome back to another edition of "Dear Crabby," where we tackle all your freshwater invertebrate questions! This week, we have fantastic questions from fellow aquarists about sneaky snails, mystery eggs, and finding the perfect shrimp companions. Let’s dive in!

Surprise Snail Baby Edition!

Dear Crabby,
I recently purchased an Orange Poso Rabbit Snail, and a week later, I noticed a baby snail in my tank. I never saw any eggs or a nest—where did this little guy come from? How do I take care of this tiny bunny? Do these snails reproduce like rabbits?

Sincerely,
Shell Shocked

Dear Shell Shocked,

Congratulations on your little surprise addition! Orange Poso Rabbit Snails (Tylomelania spp.) are fascinating creatures that can catch you off guard with their stealthy breeding habits. Unlike many snails, they don't lay visible egg clutches. Instead, they give birth to live, fully formed baby snails, one at a time, which explains why you didn’t spot any eggs or nests.

These snails don’t reproduce quite like rabbits—they’re slower breeders, typically giving birth once every few weeks to months. So, you won’t end up with an overrun tank anytime soon!

To care for your new snail, keep the water clean and stable. Maintain a pH around 7.5-8.5, and keep the temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C). Offer a diet of sinking pellets, blanched vegetables, and calcium-rich foods to help with shell growth. With good care, your baby snail will grow into a healthy adult!

Best of luck with your little snail nursery!

Best crabbily,
Dear Crabby

Mystery Snail Egg-stravaganza!

Dear Crabby,
My mystery snail keeps laying eggs around my tank rim. I only have two snails that are different colors. Would they breed with each other, and will the babies, once they hatch, be different colors?

Sincerely,
Snail Shades

Dear Snail Shades,

It sounds like your mystery snails are busy making you a snail parent! Mystery snails (Pomacea bridgesii) are prolific egg layers, often leaving clutches of eggs just above the waterline. These snails can and will breed if you have a male and a female, regardless of their colors.

Mystery snails come in a variety of hues, like black, blue, gold, and ivory, and their offspring often display a mix of these colors. So, if you have snails of different colors, their babies could be a colorful surprise—a little snail rainbow! However, the exact color patterns can be unpredictable, as genetics play a big role.

If you decide to let the eggs hatch, make sure you have plenty of space, food, and calcium to support healthy shell growth for the little ones. If you’re not ready for a snail explosion, you can remove the egg clutches to prevent them from hatching.

Happy hatching (or not)!

Best crabbily,
Dear Crabby

Adding Shrimp to an Amano Tank

Dear Crabby,
I have a thriving Amano 5-gallon planted tank for a few years now, and all of my shrimp have doubled if not tripled in size. It’s a very happy tank. Lately, I’ve been sad that Amano won’t be able to reproduce in freshwater, and that has led me to wonder if I can introduce another kind of shrimp that can. The question I have is: which shrimp would be best suited to share the tank with my Amanos?

P.S. I am not at all concerned with loss of color over time… I love the shrimp character the most!

Sincerely,

Fish Enthusiast

Dear Shrimp Enthusiast,

First of all, congratulations on creating such a thriving environment for your Amano shrimp! It's clear you've mastered their care, and it's no surprise they’ve grown so beautifully under your watch.

Since your tank is well-established and healthy, introducing another type of shrimp could indeed bring some exciting new life to your aquarium. Based on your description, here are some great options that would pair nicely with your Amanos:

Best Shrimp to Add:

  • Neocaridina Shrimp (e.g., Cherry Shrimp, Blue Dream Shrimp, Yellow Shrimp): These shrimp are hardy, easy to care for, and will readily reproduce in your planted tank. They come in a variety of colors, but as you've mentioned that color is not your primary concern, you can enjoy their dynamic personalities and active breeding habits. Neocaridina shrimp are adaptable and will coexist peacefully with Amanos.

  • Caridina Shrimp (e.g., Crystal Red, Crystal Black, Taiwan Bees): If your water parameters are stable and lean towards softer, slightly acidic conditions, Caridina shrimp could be a rewarding choice. They’re a bit more sensitive than Neocaridina but will bring their own unique charm to the tank. They can be a bit more challenging to breed, but their striking patterns make them an intriguing addition.

Final Thoughts:

Since you value the shrimp’s character over color, Neocaridina shrimp would likely be the best fit due to their ease of care, compatibility with Amanos, and prolific breeding. They’ll give you the lively, ever-growing colony you're looking for without much fuss.

Additional Tips for a Happy Shrimp Tank:

  • Varied Diet: Offer a mix of high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables (like zucchini or spinach). This ensures all shrimp get the nutrients they need and keeps them active.

  • Algae and Biofilm: Amano shrimp love algae, but it’s essential to supplement with food, especially in a tank with other shrimp that might outcompete them. Adding Indian almond leaves or cholla wood can help promote biofilm growth, a favorite snack for all shrimp.

  • Avoid Overfeeding: Overfeeding can harm water quality, which is crucial in a small tank. Feed only what the shrimp can eat in a few hours, and remove any uneaten food to prevent water issues.

  • Stable Water Parameters: Consistent water conditions are crucial. Regular water changes (10-20% weekly) and monitoring water quality will keep the environment safe. Make changes slowly to avoid stressing the shrimp.

  • Provide Plenty of Hiding Places: Shrimp need places to hide, especially when molting. Ensure your tank has plenty of plants, driftwood, and other hiding spots to make them feel secure.

  • Avoid Copper and Harmful Chemicals: Always check that any tank additives are shrimp-safe. Copper, commonly found in fertilizers and medications, is toxic to shrimp.

By following these tips, your shrimp community will thrive, and you’ll enjoy the lively, engaging personalities of both your Amanos and new additions.

Happy shrimp keeping!

Best crabbily,
Dear Crabby

 

 

Conclusion: That wraps up this week’s edition of Dear Crabby! Whether you’re discovering surprise snail babies, managing mystery snail eggs, or finding the perfect shrimp companions for your Amano tank, there’s always something fascinating happening in the world of freshwater inverts.

Have more questions? Send them our way, and you might see your query featured next time!

Got a question? Email it to info@aquaticarts.com, and you could be featured in our next newsletter. Until next time, happy snail spotting, shrimp keeping, and tank tending!

 

September 20th 2024

Dear Crabby Column

Shrimp Molts, Snail Surprises, and Crayfish Color Changes!

Welcome back to Dear Crabby, where we dive into your most pressing questions about freshwater invertebrates! This week, we’re tackling pest snails, mysterious Nerite snail eggs, and those crayfish color changes that keep you guessing. Let’s get right into it!

Dear Crabby,

My tank is overrun by pest snails, and I don't know what to do! I'm thinking about adding Assassin Snails to help control the population, but I’m not sure how many I need to do the job. Also, once the pest snails are gone, what should I feed the Assassin Snails?
Sincerely,
Unwanted Snail Farmer

Dear Unwanted Snail Farmer,

You’re not alone! Pest snails can quickly take over a tank, but Assassin Snails (Clea helena) are great for controlling their population. A good rule of thumb is to add one Assassin Snail per 5 gallons of water to let them slowly reduce the pest snails. If you’re dealing with a large infestation, feel free to add a few more.

Once the pest snails are gone, your Assassin Snails will need a new source of food. They are carnivores, so you can offer them frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, or sinking carnivore pellets. They may also scavenge leftovers from the tank, but it’s important to provide them with enough protein-based foods to keep them healthy.

Good luck getting your tank back in balance!

Sincerely,
Crabby

Dear Crabby,

I have Zebra Nerite Snails in my tank, and I’ve started to notice little eggs all over my driftwood and glass. Am I going to have a bunch of Nerite snails hatching in my freshwater aquarium, or are these eggs duds? Also, how do I remove them?
Sincerely,
Snailin' Along

Dear Snailin' Along,

No need to worry—those eggs won’t hatch in freshwater! Zebra Nerite Snails (Neritina natalensis) lay eggs in freshwater, but they only hatch in brackish or saltwater. So, what you’re seeing are essentially dud eggs that won’t lead to a Nerite snail invasion in your tank.

As for removing the eggs, they can be quite stubborn. The best way to get rid of them is to manually scrape them off with a soft-bristle toothbrush for driftwood, or a razor blade for glass. If they don’t bother you too much, you can leave them, as they may break down over time.

Sincerely,
Crabby

Dear Crabby,

I’ve had a Blue Dragon Crayfish for about 7 months, and I've noticed that after the last two molts, its color has changed from lighter blues and whites to a darker, marbled pattern. Is my crayfish okay, or is it natural for them to change color like this?
Sincerely,
Crayfish Fanatic

Dear Crayfish Fanatic,

It sounds like your crayfish is just maturing! It’s quite normal for Blue Dragon Crayfish (Cherax pulcher) to change color as they grow. The marbled pattern you’re seeing is common, especially as they age and go through molts.

Here are a few factors to consider:

  • Maturity: As crayfish grow, their colors may deepen or shift.
  • Environment: Water parameters, lighting, and diet can all influence coloration.
  • Molting Cycle: Each molt can result in color shifts as the new exoskeleton hardens.

If your crayfish is healthy and active, there’s nothing to worry about. Just enjoy watching it grow and change!

Sincerely,
Crabby

Conclusion:

That wraps up this week’s edition of Dear Crabby! Whether you’re battling pest snails, dealing with Nerite eggs, or noticing color changes in your crayfish, there’s always something new to learn about your freshwater inverts.

Have more questions? Send them our way, and you might see your query featured next time!

Got a question? Email it to info@aquaticarts.com, and you could be featured in our next newsletter. Until next time, happy shrimping, crayfishing, and snail wrangling!

 

September 13th 2024

Dear Crabby Column

Shrimp Molts, Snail Surprises, and Dietary Dilemmas!

 

Welcome back to "Dear Crabby," where we tackle your toughest freshwater invertebrate questions! This week, we’re covering shrimp molts, those unexpected snail stowaways, and what to do when your shrimp seem to get picky about their food. Let’s jump right in!

Dear Crabby,

I keep finding molts in my shrimp tank, and I was wondering—should I remove them? Is leaving them in the tank going to hurt my shrimp?

Sincerely,
Shell Shocked

Dear Shell Shocked,

Great question! Finding molts in your shrimp tank can be a little startling at first, but the good news is that leaving them in the tank won’t hurt your shrimp. In fact, molts are actually beneficial!

Here’s why:

  • Nutrient Recycling: Shrimp will often eat their old exoskeletons after molting to reclaim essential nutrients like calcium, which helps them form their new shell.

  • Natural Process: It’s a completely natural part of shrimp life, and the molts break down over time. Removing them isn’t necessary unless you feel like the tank is getting cluttered.

However, if you notice that molts are sticking around for too long and starting to rot, you can safely remove them during regular tank maintenance. Otherwise, your shrimp will handle it themselves—just another example of how efficient these little critters are!

Sincerely,
Dear Crabby

Dear Crabby,

I recently noticed a bunch of tiny snails in my aquarium, but I never bought any snails! Where did they come from, and how do I control them without harming my other invertebrates?

Sincerely,
Snail Shocked

Dear Snail Shocked,

Surprise snails—one of the aquarium hobby’s most common mysteries! These little hitchhikers likely arrived on plants or décor that you added to your tank. They’re often harmless but can quickly become a nuisance if they overpopulate.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Manual Removal: Start by regularly removing any visible snails or egg clusters. This is a simple but effective way to control their population.

  • Snail Traps: You can create or purchase a snail trap to capture them. Bait it with a small piece of cucumber or lettuce overnight, then remove the snails in the morning.

  • Predators: If you want to naturally control the snail population, consider adding an invertebrate-friendly snail predator like Assassin Snails. They’ll keep the snail numbers down without harming your shrimp or crabs.

  • Over Feeding: When you feed more than what your inhabitants can consume, the extra food will get eaten by the pest snails, which will over run the tank.

Keeping an eye on your tank and regularly removing the snails should prevent any major infestations. Happy snail wrangling!

Sincerely,
Dear Crabby

Dear Crabby,

I’ve got some Amano Shrimp in my tank, but lately, they’ve been picky eaters. They used to go after everything, but now they only seem interested in certain foods. What’s going on?

Sincerely,
Shrimp Chef

Dear Shrimp Chef,

Shrimp can be surprisingly particular about their food, but don’t worry—there are a few reasons this might be happening.

  • Overfeeding: If your Amano Shrimp have plenty of algae and biofilm to graze on, they might not be interested in supplemental food. Try cutting back on feeding for a few days to see if their appetite for other foods returns.

  • Food Preferences: Like all inverts, Amano Shrimp have their favorite foods. While they’ll eat algae and detritus, you can also try offering them high-quality shrimp pellets, blanched veggies, or protein-rich foods like bloodworms to entice them.

  • Water Quality: Poor water quality can sometimes affect their appetite, so make sure your water parameters are stable and clean. Regular water changes can help stimulate their appetite as well.

Once you find the right balance of food and environment, your shrimp should go back to their old eating habits!

Sincerely,
Dear Crabby

Conclusion:

That wraps up this week’s "Dear Crabby"! Whether you’re managing shrimp molts, battling snail invasions, or dealing with picky shrimp, there’s always something new to learn in the world of freshwater inverts. Got more questions? Send them in, and you might see your query featured next time!

Got a question? Email it to info@aquaticarts.com, and you could be featured in our next newsletter. Until next time, happy shrimping and snail wrangling!

 

August 30th, 2024

Dear Crabby Column

Vampire Crabs, Shrimp Shenanigans, and Missing Pom-Poms!

Welcome to another edition of "Dear Crabby," where I tackle your crustacean conundrums and help you create the perfect environment for your freshwater inverts! This week, we’re diving into the details of setting up a Vampire Crab habitat, understanding Vampire Shrimp behavior, and figuring out why those adorable Pom Pom Crabs might be missing their signature accessories. Let’s get cracking!

Dear Crabby,

I’ve been watching a lot of videos online about setting up a proper tank for Vampire Crabs. Some setups look very elaborate and expensive, while others seem too simple and might not offer enough for the crabs to feel comfortable. What advice can you give me on creating the best habitat for my soon-to-be Vampire Crabs without breaking the bank?

Sincerely,
Future Crab Daddy

Dear Future Crab Daddy,

I’m thrilled to hear you’re getting ready to welcome some Vampire Crabs into your home! Creating a comfortable and enriching habitat for them is key to keeping them happy and healthy, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Here’s what you need to focus on:

  • Tank Size and Layout: A 10-gallon tank is a good starting point for a small group of Vampire Crabs. These crabs need both land and water areas, so aim for a paludarium setup with about 70% land and 30% water. You can create land areas using rocks, driftwood, or even a DIY foam background. Just ensure they have enough hiding spots and climbing opportunities.

  • Substrate: Use a mix of coconut fiber (coir) and sand to create a moist substrate. This mimics their natural habitat and allows them to burrow, which they love to do.

  • Water Quality: The water area doesn’t need to be deep, but it should be clean and dechlorinated. Adding live plants can help maintain water quality and give the crabs something to explore.

  • Temperature and Humidity: Keep the tank’s temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C) and maintain high humidity, around 75-85%. A misting system or regular spraying will help with this.

  • Decorations and Hiding Spots: You don’t need to spend a lot on fancy decorations. Natural materials like rocks, driftwood, and leaf litter can create a great environment. The crabs will appreciate plenty of places to hide and explore.

  • Lighting: Vampire Crabs don’t need intense lighting, but a low-wattage light on a 12-hour cycle can help maintain the day-night rhythm.

By focusing on these key elements, you can create a comfortable and enriching environment for your Vampire Crabs without going overboard on expenses. Your crabs will be content in a setup that meets their needs, regardless of whether it’s simple or elaborate.

Good luck with your new crustacean companions!

Sincerely,
Dear Crabby

 

Dear Crabby,

I have a 20-gallon aquarium where I keep several Vampire Shrimp. Lately, I've noticed that they've been picking at the sand bed with their fan-like appendages. Are they searching for food, or could there be another reason for this behavior?

Sincerely,
Curious Caretaker

Dear Curious Caretaker,

Your observation is spot-on! Vampire Shrimp use their fan-like appendages, often called "floaters," to filter food particles from the water. When they’re picking at the sand bed, it’s a sign that they’re likely trying to gather any edible debris or detritus that’s settled there.

This behavior can happen for a couple of reasons:

  • Food Availability: If there’s not enough food suspended in the water column, they might start foraging on the substrate to find more to eat. Consider supplementing their diet with finely ground foods that remain suspended longer, like powdered shrimp food or finely crushed algae wafers.

  • Instinctual Foraging: Even if food is plentiful, they might just be following their natural foraging instincts. In the wild, these shrimp will often sift through substrate to capture food particles.

To ensure your Vampire Shrimp are getting enough to eat, you can feed them in an area with a moderate current that will help push the floating food into their floaters. This way, they can efficiently capture the food they need to thrive. Keep up the great care, and your shrimp will continue to thrive!

Sincerely,
Dear Crabby

 

Dear Crabby,

I have a group of Freshwater Pom Pom Crabs, and I’ve recently noticed that some of them no longer have their adorable pom-poms on their arms. I'm really concerned—what could be causing this? Please help!

Sincerely,
"Cheer" Mom

Dear "Cheer" Mom,

Thank you for your question! Freshwater Pom Pom Crabs are adorable little critters, and those "pom-poms" on their claws are actually specialized hair-like structures called setae, which they use to catch food particles in the water. If some of your crabs have lost their pom-poms, don't worry too much—they can regenerate them over time, especially after molting.

Several factors might have caused the loss of their pom-poms:

  • Molting Process: During molting, crabs shed their exoskeleton to grow, and sometimes the setae may not be as developed immediately after a molt. Give them a bit of time, and you might see those pom-poms come back.

  • Inadequate Diet: If your crabs aren't getting enough nutrients, their ability to maintain or regrow their pom-poms could be affected. Ensure they're receiving a balanced diet that includes both plant matter and protein-rich foods.

  • Water Quality: Poor water conditions can stress your crabs, potentially leading to issues with their setae. Regular water changes and maintaining optimal water parameters will help keep your crabs healthy.

Keep an eye on your little cheerleaders, and they should be back to waving their pom-poms soon!

Sincerely,
Dear Crabby

That wraps up this week’s "Dear Crabby"! Remember, whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn about caring for your aquatic invertebrates. If you have a question you’d like answered, don’t hesitate to reach out—your query might just be featured in the next edition!

Got a question? Email it to info@aquaticarts.com, and you might see it answered in our weekly newsletter. Until next time, keep those tanks clean and those claws clicking!

News

Blog posts

View all