Skunk Cleaner Shrimp Lifespan

[nova423]

I bought him almost full sized, he molted earlier this week and looked fine.  I guess these guys don't live that long?

Everything else in tank looks fine, checked params this morning and salinity was like .0005 low, maybe that was it?  I heard they can be very sensitive to that.  

Edited December 20, 2013 by nova423

[YHSublime]

I take it's dead ?

[steveoutlaw]

I've had the same cleaner shrimp for almost 3 years now.

[mr.x-ray]

I've had them for over 5 years. And the current 3 are nearly 3yo. My peppermints are at least 2yo. Low salinity from what reading? I've had them in 1.018-1.026. Like any invert they can be sensitive to a fast change in parameters. Any changes in other water. Nitrate, Ammonia?

[nova423]

Nope, tested everything this morning with salifert, all in the green.   Guess it was just his time.  Salinity checked with refractometer.

The only thing I can think of is I put in a tiny 1/2 inch pistol shrimp last night, but I seriously doubt that tiny guy killed my 3" cleaner shrimp.

[nova423]

RIP Rocky, here he is a few months ago.

 

[Jason Rhoads]

I think the lifespan on these varies based on many factors. I have had them die within days, and last years. Probably just his time. 

[nova423]

Yup he had a fat, happy life.

[harticus5]

I started with 2 in my tank when I  set up my tank 20months ago............1 died after a year.

 

Now the 1 I have left is the only original livestock from when I set up my tank...........There from the very beginning.

[FishyPapa]

Doubtful as you mentioned but pistol shrimp have killed other types of shrimp in tanks. (friend of mine lost his skunk to a pistol)

[paul b]

This pair lived and spawned for about 7 years in the late 70s.  But they are not the same shrimp you have.  I am not sure the lifespans are the same but I would imagine they are close.

 

[nova423]

I'm just honored to have THE Paul B comment on my thread :p

[paul b]

I'm honored that you let me post

[wangspeed]

Too long. They are fun to watch but very annoying if you try to target feed any corals.

 

 

--

Warren

[nova423]

Too long. They are fun to watch but very annoying if you try to target feed any corals.

 

 

--

Warren

 

Yea, to be honest, it was my fiancee more than me that was affected when he died.  I had to make a little coral feeding shield out of the top of a coke bottle when I target fed my corals, otherwise the shrimp would rip the food out of the corals mouths!

 

On another smellier note, in a hobby where there is no shortage of disgusting smells, dead cleaner shrimp are near the top.