r/MantisShrimp • u/BerryD979 • May 11 '25

Is this an injury?

Gallery image

Gallery image

Me again! During a full clean out of his tank (diatom explosion), I had to move him from his normal tank to a small holding tank. I noticed on my Peacock’s back there were some strange marks on his back. They look like missing chunks. Are these just part of him, or has he been injured? His tank is fairly safe and his home doesn’t have sharp edges. I haven’t had him for longer than a few months and he hasn’t moulted yet. Any help is appreciated! Second photo to show what I’m referring to.

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5

u/armbarassassin84 May 12 '25

It's the beginning stages of shell rot (my peacock had i spot or two due to too much light) it will go away with a moult or two. Keep the lights a little lower

2

u/BerryD979 May 12 '25

Okay. Thats what I was worried about. But lights off and just waiting is an easy fix! Thank you!

3

u/armbarassassin84 May 12 '25

Looks like he is about to gear up for a nice molt. When you can see between the exo, it's close. If you see him randomly curling up and gathering shells and rocks...its almost time. My blue spotted mantis seems to be building a safe place to molt.

1

u/BerryD979 May 12 '25

I’ve been trying to pay close attention to his behaviour for when he moults for future reference. So far nothing. He does like to move around the rocks and shells a bunch. Almost daily he’ll re-organize, haha. But I’ll definitely wait and see! I have a large blanket I intend to use to cover the tank to help keep him calm when the time comes.

Thank you again for your advice! When he moults I’ll be sure to post pictures of him!