coco worm's shell falling apart..any ideas?

92protruck

Member
I have a nice coco worm that I have had for just over a year. The other day he tossed both crowns (never tossed a crown before). Thinking he was unhappy I started searching for clues. I have never seen anybody bother him, except the cleaner shrimp, and he doesn't seem to mind them picking thru his crowns for leftovers. I noticed a large amount of white debris under him which I suspected was pieces from his tube. I picked him up and noticed that the underside of his tube, where he lays on the rock, has been falling apart or possibly picked apart. The white hard part is mostly gone with just a thin layer of brownish material left with holes all the way through the tube. Anyone seen this before or have a possible explanation? The only thing added to the tank in the past 6 months are 2 peppermint shrimp. Could they be the culprits? Would they eat the hard shell? There is also an 8 inch bristleworm and tons of peanut worms that live in the area..could it be them? The peanuts and bristle have been there since day one. Ca and Alk levels are ok. Any ideas?
 

elvictre

Member
I am a big nonbeliever in peppermint shrimp in reef tanks. I know they control apstasia, but I had a few that were very aggressive. Including ripping apart my feather dusters, mushrooms and lettuce nudi's. I would say they could be the culprits.
Vic
 
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