kia ora everyone

I was hoping my first post would be a happy one but I need a little info on my Koura.

I have two Koura in a a 20L tank and last night my wife found both of them on their backs. If they hadn't of moved she would have thought them dead.

At lunch time 2day I also found them on their backs and when I went to move them back on to their legs they then began to move (sluggishly, legs tangled). The other problem is that when I moved the smaller of the two both its pincers fell off.

I have so far moved them to a bucket filled with rain water and other than small movements they are quite still for a lively pair. They are also floating on to their backs now and then.

I have had the joy of watching one of the two malt but I am not sure if this is the case now.

I am abit worried as i do not want this to be a lesson in the care of Koura for me resulting in their loss.

If any1 could pass on some advice that would be helpful.

Hi,

I'm sad to say, but your tank is too small. If your not keeping the tank cool enought there won't be enough oxygen in the water for them to survive. Cooler water holds more oxygen than warm water.

HTH

And I hope you enjoy your time here

They can be territorial little *****... may be the result of a fight, but agree with Squirt, tank too small, hard to keep water quality constant in that amount of water. Temp, pH, salinity, NH3/4, NO2 etc will all fluctuate very quickly in a small amount of water.

Good luck.

Just to correct what I had noted before, I had them in a 40L tank which I now understand is also to small. so thank you.

I have also just moved them into a larger tank with my bullies and the pair are already showing some improvement.

I have a lot to learn.......Cool.

Hi and welcome.

As above make sure to keep the water cool ie below 20deg, same goes for the bullies.

If you have any questions there a few native keepers here.

We are all here to learn. Glad to hear they are looking happier :thup: