Jul 11, 2025

Dear Crabby: The Advice column for Lovers of Freshwater Invertebrates

July, 11th 2025

Dear Crabby: Snail Tales Edition 🐌

Your questions answered—fresh from the shell.

Our in-house invertebrate expert is back to tackle your snail situations and crabby concerns. From mystery egg clutches to picky plant-munchers, this week’s questions prove that even the slowest critters can stir up the most unexpected adventures. Let’s dive into the shell-shocking world of freshwater inverts!

Lonely Hearts Club: Red Devil Vampire Crab

Dear Crabby,

I keep trying to find female Red Devil Vampire Crabs for my lonely male, but they’re always expensive or sold out. I’ve even ordered from a few other places, but they keep sending more males! Why are females so rare, and is there any hope for my crabby bachelor?

— Claws for Concern in Cincinnati

Dear Claws for Concern,

You're not alone—many crab keepers find themselves in the same pinch! Female Red Devil Vampire Crabs are notoriously hard to source because males tend to be flashier and more in demand for display. Breeders often end up with male-heavy batches, and suppliers can't always guarantee sex. Your best bet? Reach out directly to trusted vendors and ask if they can confirm a female. Until then, give your boy a great solo setup—he may not need a mate to thrive.

Surprise Snail Nursery

Dear Crabby,
I bought one Mystery Snail and thought that was the end of it. But recently I noticed a big cluster of eggs above the waterline. I decided to hatch them—and now I’ve got dozens of tiny snails in different colors! How is that possible if I only had one snail?

— Suddenly a Snail Mom

Dear Snail Mom,
Welcome to the wonderful world of snails and surprises! Mystery Snails are part of a group called gonochoristic mollusks, which means they need both a male and female to reproduce. So while it seemed like you only had one, chances are your snail was a female that had already mated before you brought her home. Female Mystery Snails can store sperm for months and lay multiple clutches from a single mating. As for the variety of colors? That’s genetics at work! Mystery Snail babies can carry traits from both parents, so you get a little rainbow in your tank.

Plant-Eater or Problem-Solver?

Dear Crabby,
I’ve noticed my Mystery Snail munching on my aquatic plants. Is that normal, or do I need to relocate it before my aquascape becomes a salad bar?

— Losing Leaves in Louisville

Dear Losing Leaves,
Mystery Snails can snack on soft or decaying plant matter, but they usually prefer algae, leftover food, and detritus. If they’re turning your tank into a buffet, check a few things: Are your plants healthy? Is the snail well-fed? A hungry snail may turn to easier meals if you’re not providing enough variety. Try offering blanched veggies like zucchini or spinach and supplement with a quality snail food. If the munching continues, you may want to switch to hardier plants—or consider that your snail just has gourmet taste!

Until next time, keep those questions coming—because no one knows inverts like Dear Crabby.
Got a crustacean or snail situation? Email us at info@aquaticarts.com.

March 23rd 2025

Dear Crabby Column

Dear Crabby – Snail Mail Edition 🐌

This week’s letters are all about Mystery Snails, sandy bottoms, and snails with a love for the limelight.

Whether you're feeding your snails from your grocery haul, wondering who’ll stir your substrate, or choosing the right clean-up crew for your rockscape, Crabby’s got the slimy wisdom you didn’t know you needed. Let’s dive into this week’s mailbag!

Dear Crabby: Veggie Girl Wants to Share

Dear Crabby,
I was at the grocery store picking out veggies and suddenly wondered—what can I share with my mystery snails from my own table? I’m a veggie girl all the way, and I’d love to spoil my snails a bit with fresh food. What’s safe to share, and what should I avoid?

Thanks!
—Leafy and Loving It

Dear Leafy and Loving It,

You sound like my kind of human—always thinking with your stomach and your heart!

Mystery snails (Pomacea bridgesii) will happily munch on many veggies, but some prep is key. Here’s the rundown:

✅ Great choices (blanch first): Zucchini, cucumber (peeled), carrots, spinach, kale, and green beans.
🥦 Okay occasionally: Blanched broccoli or small bits of cooked squash.
🚫 Avoid: Onion, garlic, citrus, potatoes, and anything cooked in oil or seasoning.

Always rinse thoroughly—even organic veggies can carry residue. Only offer small portions and remove anything uneaten after 12–24 hours to keep the tank clean.

You’re not just eating your greens—you’re sharing them. That’s love.

Slimily yours,
Crabby

Dear Crabby: Sandy Bottom Blues

Dear Crabby,
I’m setting up a community tank with sandy substrate and a few small rocks. I know biofilm and debris can build up on the bottom, and I want to keep it clean. I’ve heard not all snails like sand—some just hang out on rocks. Which snails actually help clean the sand bed?

Thanks,
—Sandy Bottom Blues

Dear Sandy Bottom Blues,

Great question—and you’re right to be picky. Some snails are more interested in sightseeing than cleaning, but a few true heroes will actually dig in (literally) and do the work.

✅ Malaysian Trumpet Snails – Burrow through the sand, stir things up, and prevent gas pockets. Great for biofilm cleanup below the surface.
✅ Rabbit Snails – Larger grazers that don’t dig deep but do slowly cruise the sand picking up debris.

🚫 Mystery Snails and Nerites – Awesome for hard surfaces, but not sand sifters.

Pro tip: Keep your sand bed shallow (1–2 inches) and do occasional spot vacuuming or stirring if you don’t have diggers. A clean sand bed = a happy tank.

Slippery regards,
Crabby

Dear Crabby: Rock Star Clean-Up Crew

Dear Crabby,
I’m building a community tank with a lot of rocks, wood, and hardscape. I want snails to help clean the glass and décor, but I don’t want anything that digs into the sand or messes with the setup. Are there snails that just stick to the hard stuff?

Thanks,
—Rock Solid and Curious

Dear Rock Solid and Curious,

You’re speaking my language! When it comes to snails that don’t dig but do clean, you want the surface specialists.

✅ Nerite Snails – The best algae grazers around. They stick to glass, driftwood, and stone. No burrowing, no baby boom.
✅ Mystery Snails – They cruise your décor like they’re on a Sunday drive. Gentle on plants, fun to watch.
✅ Trapdoor Snails – Good for cooler tanks, and they stay mostly on the décor.

Just make sure your tank has enough surfaces for them to graze, and supplement with algae wafers if needed. Keep the lid tight—Mystery Snails are escape artists.

Gravely yours,
Crabby

Until Next Time…

From veggie snacks to substrate stirrers and algae-grazing performers, this week was all about knowing your snails and the roles they play. Whether your tank is all about balance, beauty, or just keeping things tidy—Crabby’s here to help you pick the right cleanup crew.

Got a crusty question about snails, shrimp, or freshwater inverts?
Send your letter to Dear Crabby at Info@AquaticArts.com and you might be featured in the next edition!

Stay slimy,
Dear Crabby

March 14th 2025

Dear Crabby Column

Shells, Shrimp, and Sneaky Crabs!

Welcome back to Dear Crabby, where we tackle all your crustacean conundrums and shell-shocking shrimp situations! This week, we’ve got a mystery snail with a brittle shell, Neocaridina shrimp that suddenly aren’t as hungry, and a group of Vampire Crabs keeping their molting habits under wraps.

Are these normal behaviors, or is something lurking beneath the surface? Let’s dig into the answers and uncover the truth!

My Vampire Crabs Haven’t Molted—Should I Be Worried?

Dear Crabby,

I’ve had a group of Vampire Crabs for over a year now, and I’ve noticed they haven’t molted in a while. They’re all eating well and staying active at night, but I haven’t seen any molts for a while. Could something be wrong?

—Feeling a Little Crabby About It

Dear Feeling a Little Crabby About It,

Good news! If your Vampire Crabs are eating, active, and behaving normally, it’s likely that nothing is seriously wrong. Molting slows down as crustaceans age, so the longer they’ve been in your care, the less frequently you’ll see them shed. But just in case, let’s dig a little deeper (crab pun intended).

1. They Might Be Molting in Secret

Vampire Crabs are master escape artists and expert molting hiders. They often bury themselves in moist substrate, hide under rocks, or stay deep inside burrows while molting. Since they’re nocturnal, there’s a good chance they’re shedding when you’re not watching—and even eating their old exoskeleton for calcium!

✅ Check for signs of burrowing or extra hiding spots—they may be sneaking molts right under your nose!

2. Molting Frequency Slows With Age

Young crabs molt more often because they grow quickly, but adults may only molt a few times a year (or even less) once fully grown. If your crabs have been with you for over a year, they might just be at a stable size and no longer need frequent molts.

✅ If they’re eating well and acting normally, they’re likely just fully grown.

3. Do They Have Enough Humidity?

Vampire Crabs need high humidity (75-90%) to molt properly. If their environment is too dry, it can cause molting delays or incomplete molts.

✅ Check their enclosure’s humidity levels and mist as needed to keep moisture levels up.

4. Nutrients for a Smooth Molt

A calcium-rich diet is key for successful molting. Since you’re not seeing molts, make sure they’re getting the right nutrients.

✅ Offer calcium sources like cuttlebone, crushed eggshells, or powdered calcium supplements in small amounts.

Final Verdict?

Your Vampire Crabs are likely molting in secret, eating their molts, or just growing at a slower rate now that they’re mature. As long as they’re active and eating, there’s no need to panic—just keep their habitat humid and offer the right nutrition to support healthy molts when they happen.

Sounds like your crabs are just keeping their molting habits under claws and confidential! 🦀

Stay shell-shady,
Dear Crabby

My Neocaridina Shrimp Aren’t Eating Like Before—Should I Be Worried?

Dear Crabby,

I’ve noticed my Neocaridina shrimp aren’t eating all the food I give them like they did before. But they still seem to be doing okay—no losses that I can see, and everyone appears to be acting normal. Is there something I’m missing?

—Leftover and Confused

Dear Leftover and Confused,

It sounds like your shrimp might have found a buffet of natural food sources in the tank! When Neocaridina shrimp stop eating as much of the food you provide, but they still look healthy and active, there’s usually no cause for alarm. Here are a few possibilities to consider:

1. Natural Biofilm & Algae Buffet

If your tank has been running for a while, there’s a good chance your shrimp are grazing on biofilm, algae, and microscopic organisms between feedings. Shrimp naturally prefer to forage throughout the day, and if they’re full from their surroundings, they won’t rush to the food you drop in.

✅ Check the tank surfaces—if there’s a light film on decorations, glass, or plants, your shrimp might be getting plenty of food naturally.

2. You Might Be Overfeeding

Shrimp are tiny but efficient eaters, and they don’t need as much food as we think! If you’re feeding daily, try reducing the amount or spacing feedings out every other day to see if they eat more eagerly. Overfeeding can lead to uneaten food decaying, which may affect water quality.

✅ Try feeding less and observe if they eat with more enthusiasm.

3. Shrimp Molting Cycle

During molting, shrimp become more reclusive and may eat less as they prepare to shed their exoskeletons. If your shrimp population is growing and thriving, it’s likely that some of them are in different stages of molting at any given time.

✅ If you see molted shells in the tank, that’s a good sign they’re growing and just taking a temporary food break!

Final Verdict?

Your shrimp sound happy and well-fed! They’re likely grazing on biofilm, algae, and detritus, which means they don’t need as much supplemental food as before. Try cutting back on feedings and monitoring water quality to keep things balanced.

Looks like your Neocaridina colony is running a self-serve shrimp buffet—lucky them!

Best grazes,
Dear Crabby

My Mystery Snail’s Shell Looks Brittle—What’s Going On?

Dear Crabby,

It seems that my mystery snail’s shell looks brittle. I checked my water parameters, and everything looks to be okay. Am I missing something that could be causing the change in shell texture?

—Shellspicious PI

Dear Shellspicious PI,

A brittle or thinning shell in mystery snails is definitely a shell-spicious situation! Even if your water parameters seem fine, there are a few sneaky culprits that might be affecting your snail’s shell health. Let’s crack the case!

1. Calcium—The Building Block of a Strong Shell

One of the most common causes of brittle shells in mystery snails is a lack of calcium. Mystery snails need calcium-rich water to maintain and repair their shells. Even if your water tests within the right pH range (7.2 - 8.4) and KH levels, there still might not be enough free calcium available.

Try this:
✅ Add calcium sources like cuttlebone, crushed coral, or calcium-rich botanicals to the tank.
✅ Feed calcium-enriched foods such as blanched kale, spinach, or calcium-fortified pellets.

2. Low pH Can Cause Shell Erosion

Even if your pH is “okay,” mystery snails prefer alkaline conditions. If your pH is dipping toward neutral or acidic (below 7.2), the water may slowly be dissolving their shells. This can lead to pitting, cracking, or a soft texture over time.

Try this:
✅ If your pH is on the low side, buffer the water with crushed coral or aragonite sand.
✅ Avoid adding driftwood or leaf litter in excess, as they release tannins that lower pH.

3. Growth Spurts & Stress Can Weaken the Shell

If your snail recently grew quickly, its new shell may be softer and more brittle until it has time to fully mineralize. Additionally, stress from sudden temperature changes, rough handling, or aggressive tank mates can affect their shell health.

Try this:
✅ Provide hiding spots to reduce stress.
✅ Check for rough surfaces (sharp decorations or abrasive gravel can cause damage).
✅ If other tank mates are bothering your snail, consider relocating them.

Final Verdict?

Your mystery snail might be missing calcium, experiencing pH-related shell wear, or adjusting to rapid growth. Boosting calcium intake and ensuring a stable, alkaline environment should help strengthen its shell over time.

Keep up the good sleuthing, Shellspicious PI! Your mystery snail is lucky to have you on the case.

Best shells,
Dear Crabby

**That’s a Wrap for This Week’s Dear Crabby!**

From mystery snails with shell troubles to Neocaridina shrimp skipping meals and Vampire Crabs hiding their molts, we’ve cracked the case on some of the most puzzling invertebrate mysteries! If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that sometimes the answer is hiding in plain sight—just like your molting crabs.

Got a crustacean conundrum or an aquatic oddity you need help with? Send your questions to Dear Crabby, and let’s get to the bottom of it together! Until next time—keep your tanks clean, your shrimp happy, and your crabs shady. 🦀💦

Best shells,
Dear Crabby

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!