The McCormicks

We just got Edward (Edward Scissorhands-he cuts up all the plants) about 2 weeks ago. He was staying in his cave alot(unusual) and thought he might be ill or injured, but just found his shell outside the cave this morning. Is there anything special I need to do or add to the water or feed. I can't find much info on molting. Thanks!

Gunnie

Nope. Mr. Scissorhands is staying in hiding which is normal when they molt until his shell is hard again. In the wild, he is very vulnerable when he sheds his shell. Are there any other fish in the tank?

The McCormicks

Is this the correct way to send an answer? Pressing reply? Yes other fish are 2 pleco, 1 large angel, 2 catfish, and 2 small rams. His cave is pretty secure and he has another rock with a hole. It's a 70 gallon tank. Does he eat at this time?? Thanks!!!!

Gunnie

He may come out at night to look for food. To make sure he gets fed, you could place some sinking food like a veggie wafer or sinking pellets near the entrance to his hideout just before lights go out.

gmann21193

i know its a little late to say but keep the old shell in the tank. the crayfish will eat it eventualy to harden its new shell

JasmynJade

Wow, I didnt' know that! How about snails...I have been putting VERY SMALL snails in
for my puffers....I never see them, tho. Do I have to dig out the shells

Another question...LOL...I'm full of them today, could I have live ghost shrimp for food for the Cichild's and Oscar? we have 4 or 5 in the community tank for the puffers, they won't eat them.

gmann21193

Im not sure about the snails.....

Is the cray in the tank you plan to add the ghost shrimp to? If so... this is a bad idea.... is the cray gets to one of the shrimp (which he definitely will), and he eats it (which he definitely will), than this can put the cray at risk of a disease commonly found in freshwater shrimp.

darkwolf29a

Watch the bottom dwellers, plecos, catfish, etc with crays. I had to remove my cray from my 55 because she tried to have my pleco for lunch. She still isn't happy that I took her out of her free lunch buffet. But, I didn't want her eating Plato.

And yeah...the ghost shrimp will be food for your cray, and they can catch various diseases a bit too easily. You have to watch what you feed them at times.

JasmynJade

Ya know, I don't think I'm going to get a Blue Lobster...too many problems. I'll just enjoy
them when I go to the pet store!!
Thanks to everyone for the info!

gmann21193

How do you enjoy them in those tiny tanks?

JasmynJade

LOL...well, really not ENJOY....just give a looksie when I'm there....knowing they CAN'T come home with ME right now!