Losing shrimp is frustrating, especially when the tank looks fine. The good news is that the cause is nearly always one of a short list of things. Work through them in order and you’ll usually find it.
First: test your water
Before anything else, test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH and pH. Compare your results with our water parameters guide. Most problems show up here.
The most common causes
1. The tank isn’t cycled
Shrimp added to a new tank often die within days from ammonia or nitrite. A tank needs 4–6 weeks to build up the bacteria that process waste. Our first shrimp tank setup guide explains how to cycle.
2. Sudden changes in water
A big water change, a swing in temperature, or topping up with untreated tap water can all shock shrimp. Change 10–20% a week, match temperature, and always dechlorinate.
3. Failed moults
If you find dead shrimp with a white line between the head and body, or stuck half out of the old shell, they have died moulting. It’s usually linked to GH that is too low or too high, or to sudden changes. Test GH and keep conditions steady.
4. Copper and other toxins
Copper is deadly to shrimp in tiny amounts. Check every medicine, plant fertiliser and water treatment you add. Pesticides on new plants, household sprays and new copper pipes are other common causes.
5. Poor acclimatising
Shrimp that die in the first few days after arriving have often been moved into new water too quickly. Our acclimatising guide shows the safe method.
6. Overfeeding
Uneaten food rots and causes ammonia spikes. Feed only what your shrimp clear in 2–3 hours, and skip a day or two each week.
7. Tank mates
Many fish pick at shrimp, especially at night or while they are moulting. If shrimp are disappearing rather than dying, look at your fish.
8. Heat
Above about 28°C, water holds less oxygen and shrimp struggle. In hot UK summers, keep the tank out of direct sun and add extra aeration.
Quick checklist
| What you see | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Deaths in a brand new tank | Not cycled: ammonia or nitrite |
| Deaths in the first days after arrival | Acclimatising too fast |
| Deaths after a water change | Sudden change in temperature, hardness or chlorine |
| White ring, stuck in the shell | Failed moult: check GH |
| Sudden mass deaths | Toxin, such as copper or pesticide |
| Shrimp disappearing | Fish or other tank mates |
When to get help
If you have bought shrimp from us and you’re losing them, send us your water test results and a photo. With over 22 years of keeping shrimp, we’re happy to help work out what’s going on. Our full shrimp care guide covers day-to-day keeping.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my shrimp die after a water change?
Usually because the new water was a different temperature or hardness, or wasn’t dechlorinated. Change smaller amounts more often.
What is the white ring of death in shrimp?
A white line between the head and body, showing a shrimp struggling to moult. It often points to GH problems or sudden changes.
Is it normal for some shrimp to die?
The odd loss of an old shrimp is normal. Regular deaths are not, and point to one of the causes above.
