ghost shrimp claws

[sexandcheerios]

During my usual morning feeding frenzy in my 55g I noticed that some of my
ghost shrimp have long front claws and the others have shorter ones (not
really any longer than their other sets of legs) even though they are the
same size. Am I correct in assuming this is some sort of sex difference? Are
the ones with the longer claws male and the shorter females? I am assuming
this because I think one of the ones with the shorter claws was carrying
eggs recently.
S&C

[donovan n]

Mature male ghost shrimp will generally have longer claws then the
females... They could also be different sub-species, ghost shrimp live all
over the world and there are quite a few regional variations.

--donovan

[donovan n]

Some species of freshwater shrimp require rather high concentrations of
salt when they are young, also, young ghost shrimp are planktonic; they are
nearly microscopic. Not only do they need to find enough food to eat (there
isn't alot of sutable food in a typical aquarium); but they must avoid being
eaten themselves. Tetras and other mid-level feeders are designed to prey on
small animals swimming in the water column.
I'm about to introduce a bunch of gost shrimp to my planted tank, I know
there is alot of daphnia, ect, living around the plants. I guess I'll find
out if I can get any young to survive despite the tetras and loaches =p


--donovan