Dwarf Shrimp - Birth to Berry (update #2)

It has been 3 days since the young blue pearl shrimp hatched (Merry Christmas to Me!) and today I have observed breeding behavior in the aquarium again. All the males in the aquarium are swimming erratically threw the water column, and I found a recent molt of female that just dropped her first generation of young.

When a female shrimp is about ready to breed she will find a secure hiding spot, molt, and then release a pheromone into the water column indicating her readiness to breed. This pheromone causes the males to swim erratically in search of the female until the pheromone is dissipated. I will be keeping a close eye on the aquarium in anticipation of finding the female berried again!

Categories: Breeding Freshwater Shrimp

Posted On: December 27 2007

Posted By: Ryan Curtis

3 Comments

Henry

September 12 2008 at 2:17 pm

Hi Dan,'

My name is Henry I just just started keeping Red Crystal Shrimp. I've been doing some research and ended up on your page and wanted to say that you have wonderful info on your shrimps. I also have a question regarding the article on "Dwarf Shrimp-Birth to Berry" about how the male shrimps swim erratically through the water column....well in my tank whenever i change some water my shrimps seems to be doing the same but in an orderly fashion...seems like they line up at the top of the water surface and swim laps around the tank....is that normal? Can you please help me...thanks henry
Dan - TheShrimpFarm.com

September 19 2008 at 8:38 am

Yes that is normal. In the wild rain or change in temperature will often trigger breeding behavior.
Chetan

June 29 2010 at 1:15 am

Henry said:
"I also have a question regarding the article on “Dwarf Shrimp-Birth to Berry” about how the male shrimps swim erratically through the water column….well in my tank whenever i change some water my shrimps seems to be doing the same but in an orderly fashion…seems like they line up at the top of the water surface and swim laps around the tank….is that normal?"
--

Hey Henry,
That behavior by 'all' shrimps upon a water-change is certainly not normal. It basically meant that the water condition had become hostile for them. You may notice some shrimp trying to get out of the water as well.
This usually happens when the water contain minerals or metals that are toxic to shrimps.
Try a different water source next time, and put in some extra water conditioner.
In a shrimp tank do not put in any metal (brass/bronze) ornaments, and do not put in water that has been stored in a metal tank for a long time.