Cherry Red Shrimp, Molting or Cannibalism?

[cartersvillealex]

I currently have about 20 or so small cherry red shrimp in a planted 6 gallon tank. I havent seen any corpses, but I occasionally find empty shells. They tend to be the bigger of the shrimp, from the shells. Does anyone know if they are molting, or are they eating each other? I think they are molting, but dont have any experience with shrimp, so it's all new to me. Any help is appreciated.

 

[msjinkzd]

the molts are white, dead shrimp are pinkish

 

[cartersvillealex]

Excellent! Thank you. That is what I thought, but wasnt sure. Thanks for the info.

 

[msjinkzd]

Sure thing, the shrimp will graze on the molts. Its not at all uncommon to see alot of molts after water change.

 

[Toodleypops]

yeah lol i jsut saw like four and my first thought was so there are all my ghosties psh

 

[uberunce]

i find that if i have any fatalities with my cherries the others tend to feed off them... hope that helps too.