Shrimp deaths are almost never random — they're a message about the water. The pattern tells you the cause: deaths one-by-one over weeks point to a chronic issue (minerals, diet, slow toxin build-up), while many deaths within days mean something acute (ammonia spike, copper, temperature shock). Work through this list in order.
1. The tank isn't fully cycled
The #1 killer of new colonies. Ammonia and nitrite must both read zero — shrimp tolerate far less than fish. Test before anything else. If the tank is under 6 weeks old, this is almost certainly your answer.
2. Copper or medication
Copper is lethal to invertebrates in trace amounts. Check every fertiliser, medication and plant treatment label. Plants from unknown sources can also carry pesticide residue — always rinse well or buy shrimp-safe.
3. Acclimation shock
Deaths in the first 48 hours after arrival usually mean the transition was too fast. Always drip-acclimate over 1–2 hours — the full routine is in Freshwater Shrimp Care 101.
4. Failed moults (the white ring of death)
A shrimp stuck half-out of its shell, or a white band behind the head, means moulting problems — almost always GH (mineral) imbalance. Remineralise properly with shrimp minerals; calcium and magnesium are non-negotiable.
5. Overfeeding
Uneaten food fouls water fast in a small tank and triggers bacterial blooms. Feed 2–3 times a week, remove leftovers after a few hours. Our shrimp food guide covers portions.
6. Temperature stress
Sustained heat above 28°C strips oxygen and cooks shrimp slowly; sudden swings are worse. In summer, float a sealed ice bottle during heatwaves; in winter, a small heater set to 21–22°C keeps things steady — see our winter care guide.
7. Old tank syndrome
Skipping water changes for months lets nitrates and organics creep up until the colony quietly fades. 10–15% weekly, dechlorinated and temperature-matched — boring, but it's the whole game. More in our water quality guide.
8. Predation you haven't noticed
If only small shrimp vanish, your fish are snacking. Recheck stocking against our safe tank mates list.
What you're aiming for: an active colony that swarms food within minutes. Healthy shrimp are busy shrimp.
Still stuck?
Email us at support@microaquaticshop.com.au with your water test numbers — we diagnose shrimp problems for customers every week. And if a new arrival ever comes in DOA, our Live Arrival Guarantee has you covered. When you're ready to rebuild the colony, our Sydney-bred shrimp ship conditioned and healthy.
