How long do you go without seeing pistol shrimp while molting ?

danieljones8623 · Nov 17, 2021

I’ve read that it’s common for a pistol shrimp to hide while molting. My shrimp isn’t the most social creature in the world, but he usually comes out to eat and I haven’t heard him today. I’ve had him a little over a month. I’m assuming he’s molting. How long do you normally go without seeing a shrimp while this is going on?

outhouse · Nov 17, 2021

Mine survived for multiple tank changes and rock cleanings for 25 years before I killed him some how, probably sealed him in a rock faced in sand.

was 2" long and clear and I saw him once on accident when I tore the tank down. Once in 25 years.

Gone now, i dont hear the tap tap tap on glass at night anymore

mindme · Nov 17, 2021

I have 2 pistol shrimps in my tank and I have not seen them once or a molt since I put them in the tank about 9 months ago.

I only know that at least one of them is alive by the occasional popping sound. My goby doesn't seem interested in either of them.

Delloman · Nov 18, 2021

Mine is with a goby I see alot more but 3 days would not be unreasonable for it to hide.

homer1475 · Nov 18, 2021

I see my goby daily, but my pistol I only see every couple weeks. Couldn't even tell you if it's molted or not, but would assume it has as it has gotten bigger.

I only know its still alive by the popping in the AM. They originally set up shop in a corner under a rock, but have since moved homes to under a cave, and I barely see them.

Delloman · Nov 18, 2021

Same with them moving from where I could see them to where I can not its a bummer.

Mr. Mojo Rising · Nov 18, 2021

I never see mine, except for a quick glimpse every now and then.....

aws2266 · Nov 18, 2021

It's not uncommon for me to go a week without seeing my pistol shrimp. Like one of the other posters said I can hear him making a popping sound sometimes and I see all the sand he moves around.

Quietman · Nov 18, 2021

I have (had?) a red banded pistol I've seen just a few times since I put him in the tank several months ago with a Yasha goby. Haven't seen/heard him in weeks so suspect he's gone but never know. When I had the tiger snapping shrimp with the YWG always saw them they're just too big and the tiger digs too much too miss. I'll go with them again next time.