Ghost Shrimp eats its own shell!

[Brandon Bennett]

These are not the best pictures but thought I'd share. My Ghost Shrimp periodically shed their shells but I've never seen one turn around and digest their own shell.

Some of you may very well think this is gross but I think its fascinating Only part of it was eaten before one of my Harlequins chased the Shrimp off.

 

[EricV]

Quite normal for shrimp. It allows them to reuse the minerals in their old shell.

 

[chrisb01]

Yes just normal, not a Jeffrey Dahmer.

 

[smee82]

i catch my rcs doing it all the time.

 

[junebug]

Hate to be the one to break it to you, but all shrimp eat their molts.

 

[Acereaux]

It makes perfect sense though. I mean in nature they aren't allowed to be picky over where they get their sustenance from so having a ready to go meal on hand is pretty handy haha.

 

[Tetra Guy]

It's a great way to replenish lost calcium and as everyone else has said, is normal and healthy.