Is my shrimp finally saddled?

[Super Jess]

After 2 years, I think my shrimp might finally be making eggs! Is it a saddle? Please say yes!

[JoanToBa]

Sorry but nope.
If it was indeed saddled you'd see red balls in the rear part where small legs they use to swim.

[Varanus]

Sorry but nope.
If it was indeed saddled you'd see red balls in the rear part where small legs they use to swim.

I think you mean "berried" there, right? Saddled is referring to being able to see the eggs developing inside the shrimp's body.

[JoanToBa]

Oh yep, I meant berried, i thought saddled meant the same

[Super Jess]

Yes, I meant I hope those are eggs on the inside

[shrimpy4]

I believe they are, mostly that area where it starts out onto the tail and a bit under the carapace. I’ve had mine stay saddled for a very long time until they decide the time is right to start breeding. Fingers crossed yours do soon.

[Super Jess]

I’ve had mine stay saddled for a very long time until they decide the time is right to start breeding.

Thanks, shrimpy4! I was wondering if it was a saddle how long it would be until she pops the eggs out. Now I won't obsess (as much)

[JoeG]

Shrimpy4 - when you say 'a very long time' approximately how long was it? Weeks, months, year?? Do you remember doing anything differant that actually got them to berry?

[Super Jess]

Shrimpy4 - when you say 'a very long time' approximately how long was it? Weeks, months, year?? Do you remember doing anything different that actually got them to berry?

This is a great followup question that I also have

[i<3Opae]

I have same experience as Shrimpy4. Saddled shrimp doesn't mean they'll be berried right away, and I know we all wish for it but there isn't any specific timeline. I've had saddled shrimp for over a year waiting for the right tank conditions (in my case it was the filter). The good news is once your have stable conditions, the breeding will continue.

[shrimpy4]

Ya, my average was a year after I moved them into my 5 gallon tank. I had a dwarf hermit I stopped feeding regularly (every 3-4 days) and went to feeding every 2-3 weeks. Unfortunately, the hermit died but the shrimp started breeding like crazy.

A few months later I had my big die off, most likely the heater I installed or maybe some chemical contamination from when I was installing it.

It’s been over a month since that crisis and water changeC and they’re back to berrying and breeding.

[ThisGuy]

Most likely.

[shrimpy4]

Also forgot to mention, when I see berried shrimp I avoid feeding at all. I think I’ve found that the hustle and bustle of them fighting over the food pellet causes berried shrimp to be more likely to drop.

[ThisGuy]

Also forgot to mention, when I see berried shrimp I avoid feeding at all. I think I’ve found that the hustle and bustle of them fighting over the food pellet causes berried shrimp to be more likely to drop.

Same, through my expereince with cherrys they rarely drop but with feeding 90% of them drop.

[Super Jess]

That is a good tip! I'm looking forward to being able to use it.