sera guide - Shrimps and crayfish

66 Keeping shrimps and crayfish There is a general rule for keeping, even with peaceful and sociable shrimps: Less is more! Furthermore, in case of keeping many specimens it is important to provide as many places to retreat as possible. Es- pecially while exuviating, crayfish and shrimp need shelters to protect their soft body. Exuviation Crayfish and shrimps have a so-called exoskeleton, i.e. an external skeleton. It is regularly replaced with a new one by exuvi- ation since it cannot grow. It is an exciting moment when the crustacean leaves its old shell, also named “exuvia”, and the new, soft and flexible “shell” becomes visible. After being stretched to the new size, the exoskeleton hardens by chemical process- es and by depositing minerals such as cal- cium. Injured or severed limbs can be replaced by and by with the exuviations. Exuviation problems are usually caused by unsuitable keeping conditions, wrong or insufficient nutrition. You can prevent exu- viation problems with the special food for crustaceans sera crabs natural and sera shrimps natural. The skin (exuvia) after the exuviation