Something is wrong with my cleaner shrimp.

[vetteguy53081]

The shrimp appears to be better today, though is still acting off. I’ll try and get a good pic of its belly soon.

Associated with molt, it will be even better tomorrow

 

[Sharkbait19]

I think I just am a little paranoid about the shrimp only because my starfish is doing poorly as well, so figured that maybe something was off in the water.
I'll keep you all updated on what happens though.

 

[Hincapiej4]

Most of the issues with starfish is that they are starving. But you do have parameter issues.

 

[Sharkbait19]

Pic of full body if that helps

 

[Hincapiej4]

Looks good to me. Maybe a lil skinny, but he's young. And theyll find their own food on their own.

 

[Sharkbait19]

Update: the shrimp is getting even worse. I don’t think he ever did molt, and I’m at a loss with the problem/solution. He’s getting brown and fuzzy (likely algae growth) and is always sitting in one spot, only moving to eat (which I guess is a good sign that he’s at least eating). The only thing I think I can do is hope that he molts off his bad shell and bounces back to normal. I really can’t imagine the parameters being very off because I have 20+ corals doing just fine. I’ll keep this thread updated, but things are not looking good for my little shrimp.

 

[Sharkbait19]

Unfortunate update: the shrimp didn’t make it. I’m sad to have lost him, as he brought a lot of life and activity to the tank. This is probably the last shrimp I try for some time. He will be missed.

 

[garbled]

Are you having losses of any other inverts? Snails? Hermits? Corals? Is it possible you have a heavy metal, or copper?

 

[Sharkbait19]

Only other issue is the brittle star (but it seems mostly dietary/bullying, there is a hitchhiker brittle that is fine). Everyone else is doing great.

 

[maugustine]

Hi,
I’ve had a scarlet skunk cleaner that has been concerning me recently. He hangs out by the sandbed often, walking clumsily, falling over, and doesn’t clean things rapidly. Really he’s just generally lethargic. He also scratches against the floor rolling around quite often. Other than that his eyes seem rather cloudy and his whiskers are getting fuzzy. Here are some pics:

The last time I saw this behavior and appearance was in my peppermint shrimp, which unfortunately died a week after initial symptoms. This is what that one looked like:

I really don’t want to lose the cleaner shrimp, especially because of how expensive they are. He’s also probably one of my favorite creatures in the tank, always doing stuff, and cleaning my hand when I scrape away algae.
What is going on? Is it trying to molt or something? How can I help him?

I am having the same issue.. mine his back leg was broken from shifting rocks so he has been just hanging out until next molt.. unfortunately he broke it the day after he molted.. I was told to make sure you feed him.. he is eating.. he will heal.. so u have any aggressive fish that might go after him? If so could try putting a container with holes in tank keeping him safe.. did that once for another shrimp.. Google how to make sure conditioner is safe but I used a Tupperware with holes.. attached to inside of tank.
The more experienced guys on here can prob help more but that’s my 2 cents