Lost A Cleaner Shrimp

[Aquaholic]

Possably could have been old age, he was pretty freakin huge, How long do they live for?

[Delphinus]

Unfortunately, not very long. The longest I've ever had one live was maybe 3 years I think (maybe just under), but most seem to last me around 2 years. And another thing to consider, there's no telling how old they are when you buy them.

[TheReefGeek]

I always try to buy small ones so I know they are pretty young and are going to last at least 1 year, hopefully 2 or more.

[Aquaholic]

Well i hope my other one doesn't kick off soon to.

I got them from JL and they were fairly large, and I've had them for about 3-4 months now.

[adidas]

i've had cleaners just drop dead b4 too and mine were about 2" probably old.

[Bob I]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

And another thing to consider, there's no telling how old they are when you buy them.

Size is usually a good indicator as to age. If the shrimp is large when bought, it is a good bet that it is over a year old. I have found that they molt often when they are young, but that slows when they age.

However, those are my findings, and they may not be accurate.

[Rondelet]

What is the general consensus/opinion on the average captive life-span (in terms of years) for cleaner shrimp? (Assume you get them when they are relative small).

[Psyire]

I've read around 3 years on numerous occasions.

[fortheloveofcrabs]

I've had my cleaner shrimp for just over two years now. When I got him he was a real runt, but now he's all grown up... So, atleast two years, but I dunno the 'expected' life span.

[digital-audiophile]

I lose shrimp like no tomorrow Alas I do have what I think is a gorilla crab in my tank and I am not able to cathc the little bastard. He molts ocassionally and by seeing the molt he is getting big I'm afriad he is the cause of my shrimp losses I never find bodies.. just don't find them when I do a head count.