mantis shrimp lost arm during molt

iretthepirate · Dec 30, 2013

Has this happened to anyone else? I've owned 3 before which have never had a prob but this newest one lost at least one club arm that I can tell, found it outside her house and she won't be coming out for awhile so can't tell if other one still there. Anyways just wondering how long it will take to grow back and if there's anything I can do to speed it along

ritter6788 · Dec 30, 2013

They can grow back but it takes several molts.

iretthepirate · Dec 30, 2013

That sucks but I thought it'd take awhile since their clubs are so thick and big. Not like a reg limb, my sexy shrimp had a couple legs missing once grew back like in a week

ritter6788 · Dec 30, 2013

If she looses both make sure to only feed soft foods. They turn all their energy into molting and regenerating the raps if they loose both. Maybe feed a bit more but not at the risk of water quality. Hopefully she only lost one and will come out smashing soon.

Mike J. · Dec 30, 2013

It will take two sheds to be back to normal. The first shed the arm will be about 1/2 size. Being fed well has a lot to do with how long it takes. If fed very well it will be just two full moons.