Discus Tankmates  11/28/05
Hello. I was wondering if the blue tetra (Boehlkea fredcochui), the glass blood fin tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi), and some shrimp (Palaemon pantanal) would be able to be housed with 3 discus and not be eaten. If so would these be able to coexist with each other in a 55 gallon tank. CJ
<All should get along fine. The tetras are too fast for the discus to eat even if they wanted too. When the shrimp shed their exoskeleton they will be soft and very vulnerable for awhile so they will need a place to hide until their new outer skin hardens.-Chuck> 

Crawfish With Other Fish-Not For Long  11/11/05
I was wondering if crayfish pose any threat to fish or dwarf frogs,
<Absolutely>
both are smaller than the crayfish by a lot.
< Crawfish are excellent hunters. Those large claws aren't for show.>
I also have goldfish which are slightly bigger.  Also, is there anything you can tell me about crayfish,  Are they territorial?
< You can keep more than one in a tank. They will fight too. The biggest problem is when they shed their exoskeleton. For a while after they shed their outer shell they are very soft and tender. Other crawfish will go after them and try to eat them before their shell hardens up and they are able to defend themselves.>
Can you keep more than one in a ten gallon tank?
< I think one would be plenty.-Chuck>

Crayfish Molting Troubles - 10/29/2005
Hi-
<Greetings.>
I'm hoping that you guys might help me. I have a crayfish, probably about 2 years old. 
<Pretty well aged for a Cray - though some can live for quite a while.>
It made the move with us to Massachusetts and a new tank fine - and has molted a couple times since. The past 3 days or so, the crayfish seems to lay on it's side with it's tail compressed and folded under. It's movements are erratic, and it doesn't seem to have much control over it's motions --- it's almost like his body is too rigid. 
<Very ominous signs of a "bad molt".>
I'm worried that he is dying - and I don't know what to do..... The water levels are fine and have been tested.....
<By "fine" I hope you mean ammonia and nitrite are ZERO, nitrate is less than 20ppm? If this is not so, please rectify immediately with water changes. Good water quality is urgent. Next, I would advise that you add iodine to the tank - I use Kent's marine iodine, at a rate of one drop per ten gallons every week (NOT the marine dose!) - as they require iodine to aid in molting and developing their new exoskeleton. I suspect the new water in Massachusetts has less iodine in the water than you'd had before. I would begin adding this immediately, though in all honesty I do not know if he can be helped much at this point. It's mostly a "wait and see" aside from perfect water and adding iodine.>
Help please! -SARAH.
<My fingers are crossed. Wishing you well, -Sabrina>  

Oh Golly Mollies, Salt, pH, etc. - 10/21/2005
Hello I am new to salty systems. I've always had freshwater aquariums which I still run two. But I saw some Dalmatian Mollies and had to get some. I have one male and three females. I do plan on adding maybe two or three more mollies and an algae eater and that's all this tank will have in it. I don't want to overcrowd them. I talked to three different fish stores to set up my system to get it ready. (I wish I had found this site first.) So I set up a 29 gallon tank with one teaspoon of salt per 5 gallons of water. Should more salt be added?
<Nah. Especially not if you plan on an animal for consuming algae. With salt in the water, I would recommend using Caridina japonica, the "algae-eating" shrimp, as these fare well in slightly salty conditions.>
I have an Aqua Tech 20-40 power filter at a flow rate of 160 Gph with bio fiber. Is this ok or would a bio wheel be better?
<Mm, whatever you prefer. If you've already got the Aqua Tech, I see no reason to buy something different.>
All the stores said a pH of 7.2 was right; mine's between 7.4 and 7.8.
<This is fine - BUT - please don't let it be *fluctuating* between these.... far too much fluctuation between 7.4 and 7.8 to be safe. A steady pH is pretty important.>
The temp is at 80 degrees. I see on you're site you recommend a high pH so should I get some crushed coral sand to raise it, or is it okay at the level I have?
<Constant, steady pH is better than precise pH. You'll be fine with what you've got, I think.>
Also I do test the water with strips but this just shows a range of where it should be. So should I get a better testing kit if so what do you recommend?
<I would. Look for a quality liquid-reagent test kit.... Kordon makes 'em, so does Aquarium Pharmaceuticals.... You'll need pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate most essentially.>
Thank you for your time. -David
<Wishing you well, -Sabrina>

Fresh-Caught Crayfish - 10/18/2005
<First, let me say thank you for repairing your capitalization and punctuation errors; much appreciated.>
I have just caught 3 Yabbies and I don't know much about them. I feed them Mussel and fish food and they seem to eat that okay.
<This is fine for feeding....  I also recommend getting some "greens" in their diet - either aquatic plants or something like sushi Nori (the seaweed wrapper that is used for sushi rolls and such; you can get this at Asian markets).>
I have got a few rock caves in the tank with them. I also put a fake plant in there.
<This is all fine.  I'd also like to point out that, depending upon their size, you should be a little cautious as to the size tank you use.  Crayfish/Yabbies can be very aggressive with one another.>
What I would like to know: is it vital to have a live plant in there?
<Vital?  No.  It'd be nice though.>
Do they NEED to have mud at the bottom, because I've only got stones?
<Mm, no, stones/gravel is fine.>
Do they need to breathe air? My uncle said they get oxygen in the water, but I don't think so because they all seem to sit on top of the fake plant with their heads out of the water, until I go in there then they scatter under the rocks.
<Actually, your uncle's right.  These guys do use water/gills for breathing.  The fact that they are all clambering to the surface may be some indicator of some toxin in the water (test for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, maintain ammonia and nitrite at ZERO, nitrate less than 20ppm, with water changes; be sure to use a water conditioner for chlorine/chloramine if such is used in your tapwater in your area).  It may also just be that they are looking for an escape route.>
Could you please answer quickly?
Thank you.
From Jarrad
<There is actually a lot of information on the internet about caring for Yabbies.  You might want to try doing a search at http://www.google.com using the word "Yabbie" or "Crayfish" in the search bar; you should find a lot more information that way.  Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Crayfish/Yabbie, Fish Eater? - 10/18/2005
Hi!  What a great resource.  I wish I'd found you several months ago.  
<Thanks for these kind words!>
I've had some fish "disappearing" from my tank and began to suspect it might have something to do with my recent "prize" addition -- a Hammers Blue Cobalt Lobster named Gumbo.  
<A crayfish/Yabbie....  likely Procambarus sp. or Cherax sp., some other genera possible as well....  In any case, yes, the will eat fish.>
When I found your site, I realized that this must be the case.  This was particularly bothersome as the retailer (who shall remain unnamed) I bought Gumbo from said it wouldn't be a problem as long as the other fish were active and quick enough to stay away from him.  Oh well.  
<Mm, that's actually a good "rule of thumb", as long as you realize that any fish might, for some reason, end up caught.>
Anyway, I was wondering if you had any specific suggestions as to what kind of fish might be compatible in a community aquarium with a Hammers Blue.  Particularly for a 29/30 gallon tank.  
<In all honesty, I cannot tell you any fish that will absolutely not turn into crayfish food....  You might try quick, small fish like smaller tetras, or something like Heterandria formosa, which may be considered too small to be of any consequence to the Cray's tastes.  Also, feed your Cray specifically and often with meaty foods (preferably things like human-consumption shrimp) to help keep him "full".>
I'm guessing I'll need fish that generally stay near the top of the tank, but I've noticed Gumbo has a tendency to climb up the plants and even manages to get halfway up the tank when he climbs in the corners.
<Yeah, they're good climbers, to be sure.>
Currently in the tank is a very active loach, a Gourami and a swordtail, and three cardinal tetras.  They seem to be doing okay.  My "lost" include a gold veil angel and a 2.5" rainbow shark.
<Never found the bodies?  Then yes, I would suspect that crayfish!>
If you've got the time to respond, I'd -really- appreciate.  Thanks a ton!
<Any time, my friend.>
Carl Roller
Boston, MA
<Sabrina Fullhart, currently on the Big Island of HI....>

Algae Eater With Guppies - 10/17/2005
Hi,
<Hello.>
I have a 36 gal tank with guppies and live plants. I have had some algae growth on my plants and hoped you might suggest a good fish to add to my tank that will eat algae on the plants but is safe to keep with guppies and their fry. One of the people at the LFS I use a lot suggested Otocinclus.
<A very effective, but very sensitive fish.>
I've also read about using Plecos, but that they can damage plants if they are large.
<Ancistrus "bushynose" Plecs are a good choice, and stay under 5" roughly.>
The algae on the plants appears to be mostly green hair algae. There is some on the glass and a little on the substrate that appears to be more of a green slime. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.
<You might consider shrimp of genus Caridina or Neocaridina.... the "algae-eating" shrimp, Caridina japonica, and the "cherry" shrimp, Neocaridina denticulata sinensis v. red, are both readily available in the hobby now and excellent consumers of algae. Not to mention cute!>
Thanks, -Rob
<Wishing you well, -Sabrina>

Crayfish/Yabbie Quarrels 10/17/05
Hi There,
<Hello.>
We have 5 Yabbies
<For our readers: Yabbies/Crayfish/Crawdads all pretty much refer to the same groups of organisms.... Procambarus, Cambarus, Cherax, Cambarellus species.... and other genera as well.>
in a 150 litre tank.
<Mm, a touch small.... but maybe do-able, with enough cover for all.>
We recently introduced another medium sized Yabbie which is electric blue compared to the others which are green. 
<Probably a different species - there are quite a few!>
The green Yabbies attacked poor blue and cut both his pinchers off.
<Yikes! Either this blue newcomer was a less aggressive animal, or being so very new was not well enough oriented with his surroundings to defend himself. Best to always quarantine any new animals prior to adding them to your main system - not only to protect the existing animals from transfer of pathogens, but to observe the newcomer and "get a feel" for how it will respond in your system.... make sure it has all its faculties, is eating readily, and so forth. Amongst crayfish, there are some species that are just more or less aggressive and capable of defending themselves and territory - it could be devastating to your existing livestock or the newcomer to introduce it without knowing at least a little what you're getting into.... as you have seen.>
We have now separated him from them... However I would like to know... How long will it take from bluey to grow his pinchers back?
<Probably several molts. Feed him foods high in iodine and calcium content, and add iodine to his water (I use Kent's marine iodine at a rate of one drop per ten gallons each week - NOT the marine dose recommended on the bottle). Make sure he has some caves and crevices to tuck himself away where he can feel safe. Feed him a lot, but do not leave "leftovers" in the tank with him. Monitor water quality and so forth....>
Is there a method to introduce new Yabbies/fish to the tank with the existing Yabbies?
<To an extent, yes.... But I would absolutely not add Bluey back into your main tank with the existing crays of another species. I fear he simply can't hold up against their temperament. In any case, as above, always quarantine new livestock for their own good and the good of your existing livestock. Be exceedingly cautious with fish additions, as many/most crays will at the very least look at them and lick their chops.... some will dig right in and eat any and all fish livestock that they can catch.>
Regards, Nikki
<Thanks for writing in! Wishing you well, -Sabrina>

More Mystery Shrimp! - 10/04/2005
Hello,
<Hi!  Sabrina the slightly shrimp-obsessed with you today....  And please let me apologize for the extreme lateness of my reply; on top of having been sick and missed some emails in my box a few days back, you've really given some perplexing pictures!  Excellent photos, I must add.>
I have seen this question before ("Mystery Shrimp - Fun with Freshwater Inverts") but I would like to ask it once again... is what I have actually a ghost shrimp?
<Not what is commonly considered to be a ghost shrimp, but it does look like a Palaemonetes species to me.  Perhaps P. antennarius - your shrimp seems to have the same bizarre iridescence that they exhibit.  They do develop markings like yours shows as they grow, but yours is more prominently marked than ones I've seen.>
or is it a "long-arm" - Macrobrachium... because this guy's arm's aren't longer then his body, but he is a bit big to be a ghost shrimp. He is about 4.5cm (1 3/4").
<Not a Macrobrachium, as far as I can tell, but not a "common" "ghost shrimp".>
I have posted photos here: http://www3.telus.net/public/al_s/ShrimpPhotos/  I am wondering what the morphological difference is between the Macrobrachium and the Palaemonetes?
<Well....  See, you're asking tough questions now!  Just kidding, this is a good one.  To be quite honest with you, I do not know the difference in systematics between these two genera.  They are both in family Palaemonidae, though Palaemonetes shares the subfamily Palaemoninae with a few other genera, whereas Macrobrachium is not in that (or other) subfamily.>
is it just the length/size of the pincer arms or am I missing some other key item?
<Macro = big, brachium = arm ....  All of the shrimps of genus Macrobrachium do have very prominent "arms".  Some more so than others, to be sure, but all are quite big.  This can be somewhat less noticeable in females, but even most females have really big arms.  Also, all of the Macrobrachiums (Macrobrachia?  Uhh, I don't know the pluralization of this word!) that I have met seem to have an impressively large rostrum.  Some Palaemonetes do as well though, including P. antennarius, whose rostrum can be quite wicked-looking.  Physically, those two pincer arms will tell all.  Or most, at least.  Yours is not a Macrobrachium, as far as I can tell.  Now, that doesn't mean it's not aggressive!  P. antennarius, if it were just the size of a dog, would take over the world and wipe out humanity.  And you'd hear an evil laugh while they did it.  Fortunately, they stay at or under 2", so hopefully we're safe.  Or maybe that's just what they want us to think....>
Thanks,  -Rose
<And thank you for showing us these great images; I do hope you enjoy this animal.  Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Differences between Palaemonetes and Macrobrachium species shrimps....  9/21/05
Hey Bob!
<Sabrina>
I know I should know this, or at least be able to find it, but I don't and I can't.  I wonder if you know, or
can point me in the right direction.
<Will try>
What, physiologically, ARE the differences between these two genera?  I mean, aside from the (macro) big
(brachia)" arms"/pincers, what really makes a Macrobrachium a Macrobrachium?  What makes a
Palaemonetes a Palaemonetes?  Both are of the same family (Palaemonidae), though Macrobrachium is in
sub-family Palaemonidae....  But....  What determines this?  I've struggled a couple days to try to find
*something*....  hobby-related websites and the few books that mention shrimps (including Uwe Werner's
Aqualog) just talk about care, and those big honkin' arms....  and I can't seem to find any scientific
websites that really explain what makes a Macrobrachium a Macrobrachium, or a Palaemonetes a
Palaemonetes.  Any thoughts?  I wish/hope it could be as simple as counting scales, rays in fins, tooth
shapes and pharyngeal bones....  Fish are so easy
<grin>.
<Don't know... w/o "looking"... likely at SIO... but here is the feedback from Google on Systematics of the Palaemonidae:
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2004-27,GGLD:en&q=systematics+of+the+palaemonidae
Looks like there are some useful bits here... and I would try the (not ready
for prime time) "Google Scholar" as well... Next time you're in town, let's
make a sojourn down to the Scripps Library... am facile at searching "the
literature". Bob F>
Thanks much....
-Sabrina

Crabby Crab?  Sabrina Has Crab Envy! - 09/03/2005
Just bought an apparently Yellow Moon crab from the local garden centre.  
<Research prior to purchase, next time....  I'm impressed, I suspect you have Geothelphusa albogilva.  This animal is currently unobtainable in the US.>
Guy said it was ok in my tank with 3 goldfish which are very big.  
<Likely untrue.>
Got the heater for him and the right food etc.  
<Goldfish are coldwater, shouldn't be heated.>
He seems to want to get out of the tank all the time, life seems one big struggle to climb to the top and spend some quality time out of the water on top of the heater or filter system.  
<Yup, this and all other crabs available in the freshwater hobby absolutely require a land mass with hiding space - these are land animals that spend some time in the water.  Geothelphusa albogilva is more terrestrial than anything.  At least the animal is actually freshwater.  I sure wish we got critters like that in the hobby in the US.>
Can't find any info on these crabs
<Not much out there, from a husbandry point of view - treat this like any other terrestrial semi-aquatic crab....  Give it a large land mass of several inches of sand and wood/leaf debris, with a great deal of cover/hiding and a few gallons of clean, circulating freshwater.>
and worried I'm not looking after him right.  Can you give me any advice on making sure he has good quality of life?  
<Just as above - this is an animal worth accommodating.>
Would really appreciate your help and comments.
<I'd absolutely LOVE some images of this animal.... please.... if you have time and a camera.  I have crab envy.>
Kind regards,  Joanna
<Wishing you and your new decapod well,  -Sabrina>

Crabby Crab?  Sabrina Has Crab Envy! - II - 09/07/2005
God I feel so naive.....just thought I was buying a funny cute looking crab to live next to my computer and look nice.  Guess I was major uninformed.
<No worries....  The fact that you are seeking information is wonderful.>
Didn't realize I had something unusual! Please excuse my ignorance.
<Again, no worries.>
I am a total animal lover and now dead worried this poor little creature is not getting the right life. I will transfer him to another tank and somehow arrange land for him to rest on and water when he needs it. How come I can easily buy him here and you can't over there?
<I have never heard of Geothelphusa offered for sale anywhere....  But Europe and the UK always tend to get "new" critters a few years prior to the US.  There are many shrimp and crabs available in Europe that I'd do a great deal to get my hands on!  I suppose I shall just remain patient....>
I will take some pictures of him and send them to you...
<Much appreciated!  I would very much like to see if this is in fact the crab I think it is.>
again excuse my ignorance as a first time crab owner but what's the interest? He's not yellow or looks like he's from the moon haha, just a small baby crab that's whitish in colour and likes sitting on the heater.  
<Once in a proper environment, I suspect you'll find him much more interesting.  The interest, to me, is that I have quite a passion/fascination with invertebrates, especially crabs and shrimp....  the interest with Geothelphusa, to me, is that they don't or shouldn't require saltwater access....  If there were more truely freshwater land crabs available in the hobby, folks would be more easily able to care for them properly, which is one of my main desires....>
Guess I'm entering a whole new dimension I didn't know existed out there.  
<Invertebrates are really amazing animals!>
Would love to chat more, thanks for replying so quick.  
<You bet.  Sorry for the delay in this response; I've been traveling a bit.>
Where about in the US are you?  
<In California....  In the Santa Cruz mountains.  Beautiful place.>
I'm over in UK in Yorkshire - God's Country.
<Sounds excellent!>
Best regards,  Joanna
<Wishing you and your crabby pal well,  -Sabrina>

Re: the incurable itch, now unid'ed FW crustacean  9/2/05
Okay, I just seen something.  I was feeding my fish and crawling on one of the apple snails was a bug, it looked like a common flea that you would find on a dog or cat.  It was brown and big for an aquarium bug. I thought it was a bug that fell in my tank and was going to drowned but it just crawled around on the snail and it was carrying a little sac.  It carried the sac some where near the snail's eye and then I lost track of it because the snail retracted into its shell, now comes the weirdest part.  I think the bug crawled into my snails butt and is just sitting there because I can see a brown thing through the skin and I don't think it is poop because it isn't falling out. I am not 100% sure though.
I just put the apple snails in the tank a few days ago and I KNOW they are healthy because they were born here in a 20g tank down stairs where they have lived without fish for several months. My step dad also has some of the snails including the mother in his 60g tank and I have never before seen anything like this bug in my tank.  It is way too big for me to have missed crawling on one of my fish.  Any ideas?
<Is very likely one of many freshwater crustaceans. Very likely not harmful>
  It didn't look like fish lice, or fish fleas, it was way too big, it was like at least the size of the apostrophe on the keyboard.  
Oh yeah, also that is not a rock on the bottom it is bog wood.  
<I see, thank you>
Again thanks for your help. I need it!  I have to admit that I am sort of freaked out about this and I am feeling pretty down. I had high hopes about getting back into the hobby and was planning on adding either a few Kuhlis or some dwarf frogs to the tank but it seems like my tank will never be healthy.
<Mmm, give it time... could be chemical/s leaching from the bog wood... try removing this for a few weeks, the carbon...>
I have had problems right from the start despite all my efforts.  I hope I can get through this with all my fish and my tank intact.
<There is something likely very simple at play here... to be found, fixed in time. Bob Fenner>

Mystery Crab (Again) - 09/01/2005
Hi Sabrina! First off, sorry to you and Charlotte for confusing you!
<Oh, no worries!>
Here are two pics of my crab when he was in my 5g. Hope they help!
<Mm, some, yes....  I still think this is an Uca (fiddler), and it *might* be Uca ecuadoriensis....  though I'm by no means certain.  A very cool little invert; thank you very much for letting us see the images!>
Alex
<Wishing you well,  -Sabrina><<Am moving this to the marine section, since fiddlers are marine....-SCF>>

Online Freshwater Livestock Store? - 08/19/2005
What is a good web site to order freshwater fish/snails/crabs online?
<As far as fish are concerned, you might try http://www.liveaquaria.com/ .  Crabs - please keep in mind that there are NO truly aquatic, freshwater crabs available in the hobby in the US, to my understanding....  ALL are brackish to marine animals, or absolutely require a land mass....  For some pretty neat fish and inverts, http://www.franksaquarium.com/ .  Some really awesome North American natives can be found at http://www.jonahsaquarium.com/ .  Hope you find what you're looking for!  Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Crabby Conversion? - 08/07/2005
Can saltwater crabs adapt to fresh water?
<Unfortunately, no.  Thanks for writing in!  -Sabrina>

Ostracod Anomaly - 08/05/2005
Hey, thanks for a great and informative site.
<Glad you enjoy it!>
I just have a problem with Ostracods in my tank, they just appeared out of no where and it doesn't seem like there's a solution to this problem.
<I recall when I was quite young, I had a small tank with renegade snails, and had the same problem.>
Is there a way to get rid of these with out harming my plants and
shrimps?
<Reduce their food source - vacuum substrate heavily to get decaying materials out, feed significantly less, remove dead plant leaves if any, and perhaps try to find a fish that will make a meal out of 'em.  I've used Gourami to control aphid populations on floating plants; possibly dwarf or pygmy Gourami would consider Ostracods edible....?>
Thanks, John
<Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Ostracod Anomaly - II - 08/07/2005
I actually don't know what is causing it, its not the food source, I only feed my shrimps a little 2 times a week. Thanks.
<I wonder if perhaps they are feeding on plants or decaying plant material, or possibly algae....  Again, it might be worthwhile to employ a small predatory fish in this system and see if that controls the population.  Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

FW Crabs, using WWM 8/2/05
I was wondering what kind of crab this is: little red things in fresh water tanks, they stay in water at all times. I discovered that PetSmart (the worst place for buying fish) had them for $2.00. Very good with plants, keep real clean, always picking out the dead parts and leaving the beautiful green foliage behind. They also eradicate those little pond snails too ^_^.
I don't know what kind of crab these are, but don't put them in with Bettas, or slow moving fish.
Polara_Blues
<Please learn to use the search tool, indices on WWM... and read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/PlantedTksSubWebIndex/fwbraccrabs.htm
and the files linked... Bob Fenner>

Crabby Compatibility - 07/14/2005
Hello:
<Hi.>
Are there any freshwater crabs out there that are compatible with African Cichlids?
<Mm, no, not any that are available in the aquarium hobby in the US, in any case.  There are, however, some different crabs that do live in lake Tanganyika and are pretty neat looking.  I do not believe that any of them are exported for the aquarium trade.  Furthermore, I fear any of them would be quite capable of taking on most cichlids.  The crabs that ARE available in our hobby are all, with one exception, brackish to marine animals that absolutely require land masses (can't stay submerged 100% of the time).  The one exception, the Red Claw Crab (Pseudosesarma moeshi / Sesarma bidens) can survive with only freshwater access, but still requires a land mass.>
Thank you! Pedro
<Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Shrimps, FW
Hi there
    I got a 5gal. tank for Christmas last year.  It brought back memories of my childhood almost 50 years ago. I quickly went  down to a local fist store
and to my amazement found a $.79 tank (just before  the store owner would get new fish on Thu. he would go threw the tanks and any  single fish he would put in this tank just to get rid of them.) I was like a kid  again every few weeks going down to the store and seeing what was there. I have  3 neon's, 3 white clouds, 3 zebras, and a white vial tetra in the tank.  few  weeks ago I got 3 ghost shrimp but they seemed to die during there mullet.
<?>
I  went down and bought 3 more and again they seem to be dead one at a time on the  bottom of the tank. I went out and got Kent's Iodine the label said 1 drop per 50  gal. so took a cap full and cut it with 10 caps of water. I add 1 drop per.  week with my gal water change. And of course went out and got (yes you guessed  it ) 3 more shrimp. 1 seemed to die but I lost the other 2.
<?>
My tank is pretty  heavily planted with Java moss and ferns, swords plants, and several other types  of plants I got from the fish store. I really like the different shapes and  colors of the plants with the fish swimming around them but my real joy is the shrimp. I just got 2 bamboo shrimp but 1 is a fan feeder about 1.5 inches  in length (I think you call it that) and the other is a long armed shrimp about  2 .5 inches in length. They were in the same tank about 5gal with about 12  other shrimp of the same types. After I put them in my than I noticed at least 4 ghost shrimp come from some place to investigate the newcomers everyone seems to be getting alone wonderfully.
    Now to cut to the chase am I adding  the right amount of iodine to the water or should I just add 1 drop per gal. as  you said in the past?
<Not able to tell w/o testing... this material is transient depending on water chemistry, bio-load...>
    Should I buy shrimp pellets for the  bamboo shrimp or is my testament and live plants OK?
<Please read on the Net re... not able to live on pellets>
        What is the  best way I could care for OTTO & HERMAN they are so cool?
<Who are they?>
I really think my tank is perfect until I get a bigger tank  with more plants and shrimp.
    Is there any types of shrimp or  invertebrate I should stay away from in the future?
Thank you so very much for your time and please keep up the  good work Walter.
<Walt... please read over, have someone there review your writing before you send it... Some doesn't make sense, a bunch is mis-spelled. I do wish our "shrimp queen" were with us more often (Sabrina). Will cc her here in the hopes she will respond. Bob Fenner>

Odd freshwater Crab behaviour
I have a ten gallon tank with low water and rocks for crabs and other crustaceans. I bought some crabs and here's my q's.
One: Are the crabs with one large and one small claw  males, and the ones with two small claws females?
Two: Today the male??, one large one small claw, climbed out of the water onto the rock and started foaming? or bubbling from his face and doing something, like he was washing?? what is this? He the proceeded to sit then later he did this crazy claw dance, waving his arms around slowly in these rhythmic motions all the way out and then back in, what the heck? Does he have mad crab disease?
Three: I put in feeder golds but they seem to ignore them. so I feed blood worms. should I add plants for veg food, or just stay with blood worms and whatnot?
Four: The red crab I got has only one claw will his other grow back like at molting or something?
Five: What's the ratio on crabs? The same as fish or?
i tried here and all over to find good info on their behaviour and i came up empty handed!
>> Yes, crabs with one larger claw are more likely males in most species. Crabs have to get oxygen when they are out of the water they will "chew" a small amount of water to mix it with air and get oxygen from this process, that is likely why your crab is foaming. He is waving his claws to show his territory and attract females, so he is not mad. You can feed with bloodworm, but try other foods to see what else your crabs will eat, it varies from one species to another, but most are omnivores. The missing claw should be replaced in the next molt,  I would not worry. For a great website on crabs and other crustaceans check http://www.crusta10.de not sure if it is all in English, but the site owner is one of the most knowledgeable people on the subject. Good Luck, Oliver

Re: Ostracods?
Dear Bob:
<BD>
Thanks for your reply. I am hoping to experience first hand the effects of bioluminescence from Ostracods
<Mmm, I recently saw a citation re just this...>
- preferably dried. Would your kit labeled "Ostracods 100+ organisms" be the best bet? I realize these are living organisms?
<I think so and yes>
Are there any problems with customs when shipping to Canada? How long is lead time and delivery?
<I'd ask the folks sending...>
Thanks,
Blake
P.S. I assume this is your company?
<Mmm, nope... we don't sell anything... but maybe the books we produce. Bob Fenner>

Triops and Their Nutritional Value?
Hi! I have a tank with 2 dwarf puffers and a dojo loach. I like to feed the dwarfs live food whenever I can. They like those pesky little pond snails a lot! I've also fed them bloodworms, live mosquitoes and am thinking of trying clams and squid and such after reading some of the WWM FAQs (which are super helpful, btw!)
I was wondering if Triops had any nutritional value for fish like puffers, or for any carnivorous-type fish? They seem like they might, but a ton of searching on Google and such has not given me any good information about what they may do for fish. (I now know that they are a scourge of rice paddies and live in my neck of the woods, El Paso, up at Hueco Tanks park!) All interesting, but not what I wanted to know! Do any of you have any ideas about Triops as a food source?
On a sort of related question, can dwarf puffers eat daphnia, or is it too small? Is Gammarus too big?
>> Triops are a great food supplement for puffers, as are Gammarus, and all types of other shrimp. The daphnia you will simply have to try out. I would think that your puffers will love chasing them down. Many large fish like eating small live foods. Good Luck, Oliver

Injured Red Claw Crab
Hi, firstly thanks for such a great website! The information here is comprehensive yet easy to understand. Unfortunately I have a problem with my Sesarma bidens crab. The other night whilst cleaning out the tank I did not notice the crab (Colin) burrowed under a plant, as he is almost always hiding under an ornament on the other side of the tank during the day (or breathing sitting out of the water on top of it). 
He just recently molted (about a week ago) so I thought I would leave him under the rock and clean the tank around him. Well I dumped the plant in a bucket (with Colin underneath it) and proceeded to vacuum out the gravel and remove other ornaments to the bucket. It was only when putting the ornaments back that I noticed Colin at the bottom of the bucket on his back... I immediately picked him up and put him in the tank but he didn't move, I put lots of little bits of food in front of him and left him for the night thinking the worst. 
When I came back in the morning he was on his back again but when I went to lift him out of the tank assuming he was dead he started moving his legs frantically, anyway I righted him but noticed that 5 of his legs were not working as well as one claw (I think they must have been broken in the accident) he was attempting to move around but the legs were preventing him, I left him for the day came back and he still had not moved despite attempting to with his working legs, so I amputated 3 of the legs at the base (not the claw) he is now a lot more mobile however he is unbalanced due to missing 2 back legs (resulting in him overturning and not being able to right himself frequently/a few times a day). 
I have also since noticed that one side of his mouth is not working (i.e. the exterior movable parts of his mouth that he uses to clean his eyes) he can still move it a little but cannot properly function. 
My question is: Is there anything I can do for Colin? I am aware that crabs can regenerate limbs during a molt but has he just sustained too much damage?
<I hope not>
My main concern is his mouth as I cannot see whether he is eating properly. Would it be kinder to just kill him now or try to aid his recovery? 
<I would not euthanize this animal. It may well recover>
It has been three days since the accident and he is still defending his food against the fish (a few platies) but I cannot establish if he is eating the food or whether the platies are eventually managing to take it all. In this situation could a premature molt occur or could he partially grow back before a molt?
<Not before, but might molt again sooner, shrink in body size>
I really don't want to have to kill him but equally I do not want to prolong his life if he is suffering with very little chance of recovery. He is in a 5 gallon tank with 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 20ppm nitrate, just over 1 tbsp. of salt per gallon and I am lifting him out of the tank daily for a few minutes to allow him access to air. pH is 6.6 (low I know but I added dolomite to the filter on the day of to raise it so hopefully that will start to take effect). Should I dose with Iodine?
<Yes, I would>
Sorry for the long question but I am very concerned about him. 
Thanks,
Chris
<Do take care to maintain good, consistent water quality, assure this animal is getting food. Could take weeks to a few months, but may well be fine. Bob Fenner> 

Ghost Shrimp, marine
I would like to add fresh water ghost shrimp to my tank for algae control and they are neat. All I can find in the stores are salt feeder ghost shrimp. Is there any way to adapt the salt shrimp to live in fresh water and what is the difference. Thank you
<Can be done... see WWM re. Bob Fenner> 

Marine Iodine in Australia
I have some Australian redclaw crayfish. None of my suppliers where I live can get marine Iodine. Is it possible to put some 'iodine table salt' in the tank even thought they are fresh water crayfish.
<I would not do that. No idea how you could balance the correct dosage of iodine with the salt you would be adding to the system. Try feeding foods high in iodine. IIRC salt water shrimp is one such food. I'm sure a little research would net many foods you could try. Any chance you could mail order the iodine over the net? Don>

FW Crabs
Hello again. Thanks for taking a look at my letter. I have a few more questions for you. Using the German crab ID page I found on your site, I have determined that my soap dish crab is the third Thai fresh water crab they have listed, it looks just like my little Carl, right down to the dark zig-zags on his appendages. It says it is of the Demanietta species, but that seems to include a lot of different looking crabs. How can I narrow it down further?
< Do a Google search on the web using the Demanietta species you have already found. That should get you closer to a correct ID.>
Anyways, I've started adding iodine to all my crab tanks. How often should I add the drop? daily?
< Add the drop of iodine every time you change water.>
The water I use is well-water with a softener. If this is no good, what type of water should I use? Would adding some sea shells add calcium to the water?
< All crabs like brackish water. I would use the softened well water but add some sea salt and micronutrients at about 1/3 to 1/2 the dosage recommended for salt water.>
I know the fiddlers prefer brackish water, does Carl need some salinity also?
< You bet.>
Should I change the water to brackish?
< The sooner the better.>
Would his feeder minnows tolerate the salt?
< They are pretty tolerant to salt and would probably do OK.>
He has not molted since I have had him, but I just figured he was big enough that he only molted once a year. Am I incorrect with this assumption?
< Sounds like a pretty safe assumption.>
How big is this guy supposed to get, anyway? What is this creatures lifespan?
well, thanks in advance, Scott
< They usually get about 2 to three inches across the body and will probably live between 2 and 5 years depending on how old Carl was when he was caught.-Chuck> 

Soapdish Crabs, Fiddlers, Ghost Shrimp
hello:
please, I was wondering if y'all could help me.  I have what was sold to me as a Soapdish crab in a 2' x1' 6" tank with about 4 or 5 inches of fresh water.  Carl, as he is called, has a 2" wide body and is probably about 6" across including legs.  he has relatively short (compared to my fiddler crabs) eye stalks and is a reddish brown color with orange legs and claws that have reddish brown "designs".   the tips of his claws are whitish gray.  he has easy land access but hardly ever comes out of the water.  is that weird?
<Mmm, not necessarily>
  he eats live minnows and frozen peas.  anything else I could feed him for a little more variety?
<Other meaty foods>
  please don't say crabs eat anything, he won't eat carrots or broccoli.   is it safe to feed him hot dog?
<Mmm, no... too fatty>
  he'll eat it and seems to like it but I took it away because I'm wondering if it could be harmful with all that sodium.  should I remove any left over fish parts from the water?  
<Yes, I would>
sometimes he just eats half a minnow and the other half  just floats around in the filter current.  will it muck up the water or make it unsafe for him in any way?   
<Could. I'd remove all uneaten food>
I have had him for probably 8 months and he seems to be doing well.   I just want to know if you guys and girls have any tips to make him happier and/or healthier.  I read something on your site about iodine supplementation for crustaceans? anything else?
<You could monitor, adjust biomineral (mainly calcium) and alkalinity... has this animal molted while in your care?>
what is krill, where do I get it and how do I "soak it in vitamins"?
<Euphausiids... liquid vitamins... just putting a few drops on for ten, fifteen minutes before offering...>
I love my soap dish crab(s) and would really appreciate any help y'all could give as there is virtually zip on the web about them.
also, for anyone wondering, Carl (as with all Soapdish crabs, in my experience: I have 2 males, I lost a female when she wondered into Carl's territory) is extremely aggressive and will decimate anything it can catch, including other Soapdish crabs of equal or  greater size. does not play well with others. I've even heard of one wasting an Oscar.
<Have seen this sort, level of "aggression">
oh, why might a fiddler crab in similar tank conditions up and die for no obvious reason.
<Is a brackish water animal...>
a not too old/big male that seemed to be thriving was fine one day and upside down dead by the filter the next. he shares the tank with 2 females and one other male which doesn't currently even have its large claw. I don't suspect foul play, I am afraid there is something wrong with the water or something. the tank has been in operation for at least 6 months and has a good filter. I've heard a terrible rumor about fiddler crabs just dying after a while in fresh (not brackish) water but I've had a lot of these wonderful, mostly peaceful crabs and this is a brand new occurrence. any thoughts?  might the same thing happen to Carl?
<What is the make-up of your source water? You may have hard, alkaline water that "works" for both these species>
just one more thing, I promise. I employ a multitude of ghost shrimp as janitors and I read on your website that it was easy to breed them. that is very exciting to me, please tell me more!
I am so glad I found your website, I hope you can give me a few pointers.
thanks,
Scott
<Use your computer search tool/s... much written on Ghost Shrimp. Bob Fenner>

Re: Soapdish crab
hello again!
Carl has molted! about a week after starting the iodine treatments, Carl (Thai freshwater- Soapdish crab) molted.  could this be directly related to the addition of iodine?
<Yes>
unfortunately,  it did not go well for the big guy and he lost a leg and his larger pincher.
<Evidence of? Likely a lack of biomineral (calcium) and alkalinity... provided in foods, water...>
the next couple days were very tough for both of us, as he just sat there and twitched and I was terrified that he wasn't going to make it.  the next day I came home from work to find him on his back and motionless.  I nearly lost my mind with grief until I noticed his mouth apparatus was moving. I very gently touched the tip of his claw and to my great relief he sprung to life, trying desperately to flip over.  the poor guy just didn't have the strength! he was still very soft, so I decided to let him be rather than possibly injuring him by flipping him over.  after a couple more days he eventually started to consume his exoskeleton and move around the tank.  Carl's gonna be ok!  whew!
now for the questions: I've noticed that since the molt his carapace and claw look very strange- its a very dull tan-gray and none of his normal patterns, like the "H"  on his back, are visible. it just looks very worn, or something. I know crabs will sometimes come out of a molt a different color, but the way Carl's shell looks makes me think its related to his traumatic molt. any ideas?
<Either lack of nutrition, water quality... or will develop color, pattern in time>
Also, is it possible to over dose them on iodine?
<Oh yes>
should I add the drop only when I do a complete water change or anytime I replace water that has evaporated?
<Best to do with (weekly) water change regimens>
keep in mind I have a 10 gallon filter in about 4 gallons of water, does that make a difference as to how fast the iodine is getting used up?
<Yes>
One more thing: I really want to change my crab tanks to brackish but I have read that once crabs are in freshwater for so long, they cannot be switched to brackish. is this true?
<Not so. Bob Fenner>
thank you in advance.
Scott

Japanese Swamp Shrimp (Caridina japonica) Compatibility
Hi all,
<Catherine>
I'm thinking about getting a Japanese swamp shrimp (Caridina japonica) to control just a bit of algae and in general clean my 10 gallon freshwater tank. It's stats are ph 7.3, ammonia 0, nitrites 0, nitrates ~40 (my tap is around 30, I'm getting a reverse osmosis system in the next few months to combat nitrates and because I don't trust Los Angeles water). The aquarium has lots of plants, a pair of swordtails, 4 neon tetras and 2 male guppies as well as some snails that hitched a ride on the plants. I'm slowly getting rid of them as I find them (the good old fingers method). 
I had a Chinese algae eater because my LFS said they were great for algae eating. 
<Mmm, not in most settings... too much of bullies... plant eaters...>
Turns out mine was much better at terrorizing the rest of my tank. He moved into a tank of his own and is much less active because he doesn't have to chase anyone. Anyway, long story short, I'm now skittish of buying anything I haven't owned before. I'd like some sort of general tank cleaner (although my tank stays clean and I vacuum once or twice a week). I think
the Japanese Swamp Shrimp are cute. What do you think of them?
<A worthy species... gentle, beautiful, stays small, useful. I encourage you to go ahead with the addition, and to consider Siamese Algae Eaters as well. Please see here re: http://wetwebmedia.com/PlantedTksSubWebIndex/saesags.htm. Bob Fenner>
On a semi related note, do you know of any fish that are compatible with a 2 inch and growing Chinese (golden) algae eater?
<Mid-sized Gouramis, some cichlids... medium aggressive, sized fishes>

Japanese Swamp Shrimp (Caridina japonica) Compatibility - II
Hi Bob,
Many thanks for your advice. After dong some internet research, I very much like Opaline Gouramis. I've called several tropical fish stores in the Pasadena/greater LA area. None seem to have either Opaline Gouramis or Amano shrimp. Considering I'm in the second biggest city in the US, there have to be some good LFSs. Do you have any recommendations in this area? 
Thanks,
Catherine
<Mmm, I'd let my "fingers do the walking"... Try your search tools: with the string: tropical fish stores in Los Angeles, and call the folks nearer you re. Bob Fenner>

Lookin' To Talk About Shrimp - 04/19/2005
Dear Bob,
<Actually, Sabrina here, at your request>
My name John from Indonesia.
<Nice to hear from you, John, thanks for writing in!>
I am really interested in fresh water shrimp.
<Me, too - obsessed, nearly!>
Algae eater.
<Referring to Caridina japonica, "the" algae-eating or "Amano" shrimp?>
I need to talk to Sabrina (maybe). And I would like to join the discussion with Sabrina. Can I know how to start.
<Well, here I am! You can also find me on the WetWebMedia forum, at http://www.wetwebfotos.com/talk - my username is "Vintage_Fish" if you wish to correspond in that manner. I'm also including the other question you sent with this one....>
I would like to get some importers of algae eater freshwater shrimps. Can you help to recommend me few names of good importers in USA or Japan?
<.... I know one fellah that brings in some VERY interesting African imports, including the most wonderful and impressive Atya gabonensis (a large, filter-feeding blue/black or grayish shrimp, with orange colored juveniles).... You can find his information and stock list at http://www.rehobothaquatics.com. I imagine, since you're looking specifically for algae-eating Caridina japonica, you might want to try to find a contact in Japan, as that's where the species comes from. Unfortunately, I do not personally know of anyone for you to contact. Perhaps Bob or someone else might chime in here with some ideas for you. Please also be aware that C. japonica is NOT the ONLY species of freshwater shrimp that eats algae; there are actually quite a number of very different and beautiful species that are algae eaters. You might enjoy browsing through this website: http://www.wirbellose.de/arten.html#Garnelen.  The website is all in German, but you can at least click on the different species names and see what they look like. Many/most of the Caridina and Neocaridina species are algae eaters.>
Thanks, John W.
<Wishing you well in your shrimp hunt, -Sabrina>