Shrimp death troubleshooting checklist that starts with ammonia and nitrite, recent changes, pests, molting, and treatment cautions.

Shrimp Death-Troubleshooting Checklist

Use this order when shrimp die suddenly or slowly disappear. The goal is to test before treating, because many shrimp losses come from water quality, instability, or recent changes.

1. Test the urgent water numbers

  • Test ammonia and nitrite. Either one can kill shrimp and should read zero.
  • Check nitrate, temperature, pH, GH, KH, and TDS.
  • If TDS changed, read TDS in shrimp tanks before adding minerals.

2. Check what changed

  • Was there a recent water change, filter cleaning, substrate disturbance, new decor, medication, plant dip, or new livestock?
  • Did the temperature or pH swing during the change?
  • Was food left in the tank long enough to break down?

3. Look at molting and pests

If water tests are stable, then consider pests, failed molts, aggression, and hidden deaths. For failed molts, use the shrimp molting problems guide. For pests, compare the hydra guide and planaria guide.

4. Decide slowly

Do a small water change with matched water if ammonia or nitrite is present. Remove visible pests when practical, reduce feeding, and avoid broad treatments until you know the likely cause. Many pest treatments can harm shrimp or snails, so test before treating.

Return to the Freshwater Shrimp Keeping hub for the broader care path.

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