Shrimp Behavior

[racegoer]

Hi,
I know there are no stupid questions but I think this is more inexperience.
One of my Amano Shrimps in the 90 litre tank is lying on his back wiggling like crazy and doesn't want to be turned over-----I tried with a ruler----The Peppered Corys are head butting him occasionaly but he just carries on. So is it likely that he is shedding his exoskeleton
Also I have one full of eggs, how long are they likely to be there, I have had both shrimps about 3 weeks.
Thanks Lynda

 

[Axleuk]

It sounds to me like he is shedding his moult. Keep an eye on him as they can sometimes appear to be in a little struggle. it has been known for people to give a little helping hand when needed but only if you know for sure that he is indeed having problems. I would not worry too much about the Corys too much, it sounds like they are just being nosey, but like i said, keep a close eye on him and if possible, maybe move him to a hospital tank.

 

[racegoer]

Sadly both my shrimps have died, I now believe that the fact I put new plants in today may have been the cause, as I have discovered that some LFS put a copper solution in the water to kill snails.
I will speak to them on Monday to confirm if this is correct, if not I am at a loss as to what happened, but they did both look drunk.
Lynda

 

[Corleone]

Do some water tests. Shrimp are more sensitive than fish - a few weeks back, I lost my ghost shrimp after an overzealous filter cleaning, tested and got the faintest hint of green in the ammonia tube, low enough I probably would have missed it normally.

Though, considering you've had them a few weeks and they died with the new plants, the plants could well have been it. Even if the LFS themselves don't use copper, their supplier may have.