Questions about molting and schooling

[Harpsandfish]

Hello, all! What does a failed molt look like? And how often should I be finding exoskeletons so I know there aren’t any problems?

Also, what is the difference between schooling and shoaling?

[BlackLabelCarling]

Schooling is when a school of fish swims together in the same direction and shoaling is when fish stay in a group together, usually for safety, but not in an organized fashion for lack of a better description. 

[Harpsandfish]

@BlackLabelCarlingThanks! I guess, then, that my rasboras are shoaling and my green neon tetras are both. 😉

[CT_]

It's quite common for people to use them interchangeably as well so you can't expect that they're being "technically correct" when they use it.

[Wes L.]

A failed molt = RIP. You'll have a dead shrimp if it can't molt. As far as how often you should find the ghostly exoskeletons, that depends on how many shrimp you have and your water temperature. Shrimp will grow faster in warmer water, so molt more often. I have about 25 shrimp and I see exoskeletons easily a couple times a week. I have a heavily planted tank so I rarely remove the exoskeletons. The shrimp will actually get a bit of nutrients and calcium from it, and what they don't consume will biodegrade into the water column. Although if you keep proper water parameters, that may not be necessary, so removing them is a personal choice.

Edited February 10, 2021 by Wes L.

[Harpsandfish]

Thanks, @Wes L.!