Ghost Shrimp Eggs?

[ET1]

Hello! I'm not sure I posted this under the correct catagory but here goes...
All day today one of my ghost shrimp seemed to be what I thought was trying to molt. I kept an eye on it because I have never actually seen them come out of their shell but I find lots of them on the bottom. This went on all day... kicking the legs etc on the stem of a plant. It would chase the other shrimp away when they came near. I see now a very strange blob of white substance on the branch. It looks like a dense ball of foam, very similar to that insulating foam that you spray into door and window frames to seal them during construction. You know what I mean?? Are these eggs??? The ball of stuff is 1/4 inch across and is clinging to a plant. Also, I saw my betta eating probably the same thing about a month ago and I had no idea when it was and where it came from. Any idea?

 

[plah831]

it's the molted shell (exuvia). their eggs are carried in the female's pouch on the belly. She carries them for a couple weeks or so until they hatch and they are a dark green color. The shrimps will often eat it afterward, as it contains essential nutrients that will help the development of the new shell. The betta eating it won't hurt, either.

It's unusual that it would be shedding in the open. Do you have hiding places for them to do it? They much prefer to hide in a secure spot (preferably dark) until their new shell hardens.

 

[ET1]

I've seen lots of shells on the bottom of my tank and this was definitely not the shell. I wish I could have taken picture of it because now it has disappeared. My shrimp have lots of hiding spaces, which would explain why I have never actually seen them slip out of their shell. This stuff was very soft, like foam or sponge and looked like it was made of tiny bubbles which clung together in a dense mass. When I saw my betta eat it last time, he slurped it down and when he expelled some of it through his gills it was like a white liquid. I can't find anything online to explain this substance.

 

[plah831]

well, it's not ghost shrimp eggs for sure. could it be a bubble nest the betta made that somehow stuck to the plant? the males will blow a bubble nest in the presence of a female or if they're feeling happy. they are kind of sticky and thick feeling.

:huh:

 

[ET1]

Hmm, very odd indeed. I don't think it was a bubble nest but I do think my betta is a pretty happy man. He is quite social and energetic. I like to look at the fish with a magnifying glass and when I hold it up to the glass he comes right over and looks right back at me until I move it away. Quite amusing! Thanks for your input though, I appreciate the response and your expertise!

 

[plah831]

my betta is a pretty happy man. He is quite social and energetic. I like to look at the fish with a magnifying glass and when I hold it up to the glass he comes right over and looks right back at me until I move it away.

That's adorable! I always loved my bettas. I hate when people say they're "boring". They obviously keep them in a barren bowl with nothing to do. If you just give them a little stimulation and interaction, they're nearly as personable as a cat or dog (to me).


Thanks for the compliment. I'm sorry I couldn't help you identify the mystery blob.

 

[ET1]

I managed to get some pics this morning when she did it again plah831. I posted them under the general freshwater category. Take a look and tell me what you think!