Cherry Shrimp: Common Problems and Their Fixes

Cherry Shrimp: Common Problems and Their Fixes

Introduction

Even though cherry shrimp are considered hardy and beginner-friendly, they can run into issues if their environment isn’t stable or if something in their care is overlooked. This guide covers the most common problems shrimp owners face, how to recognise them, and what to do to fix them.

Understanding these problems will help you keep a healthy, thriving colony and prevent unnecessary losses.

1. Water Parameter Issues

Problem: Sudden pH swings, high ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate levels.

• Signs: Shrimp hiding constantly, lethargy, failed moults, or sudden deaths.

• Fixes:

  • Test your water regularly.

  • Perform small, frequent water changes instead of large ones.

  • Ensure your filter is cycling properly and not blocked.

  • Keep a stable pH (6.6–7.6), GH (4–8), and KH (2–6).

Why it happens: Shrimp are highly sensitive to water chemistry. Even minor fluctuations can stress them because their exoskeleton and metabolism depend on stable minerals and parameters.

2. Poor Moulting / Shell Issues

Problem: Shrimp struggle to shed their exoskeleton or die during moulting.

• Signs: Shrimp stuck in old shells, lethargy, or weak, soft shells.

• Fixes:

  • Check GH levels to ensure enough calcium and magnesium.

  • Provide biofilm, leaf litter, or calcium-rich foods.

  • Keep water stable and avoid sudden parameter changes.

  • Avoid overfeeding or allowing waste to accumulate, which can stress shrimp.

Why it happens: Moulting is a vulnerable process, and insufficient minerals or stress can cause failed moults.

3. High Mortality / Sudden Deaths

Problem: Shrimp die unexpectedly, often in large numbers.

• Signs: Multiple dead shrimp, lethargy, curled bodies, or shrimp floating.

• Fixes:

  • Test for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate spikes.

  • Check for sudden changes in temperature or pH.

  • Avoid introducing copper-containing medications or tap water additives harmful to invertebrates.

  • Ensure tank mates aren’t aggressive or predatory.

Why it happens: Cherry shrimp are sensitive to toxins and rapid parameter changes. Even brief exposure to harmful substances can be fatal.

4. Shrimplet Loss / Poor Survival

Problem: Baby shrimp die shortly after hatching.

• Signs: Shrimplets disappear or die within a few days.

• Fixes:

  • Provide plenty of fine-leaved plants, moss, or leaf litter for hiding.

  • Sponge filters provide biofilm and trapped particles as a food source.

  • Feed finely powdered foods or Moringa powder to support early growth.

  • Avoid aggressive tankmates that may eat baby shrimp.

Why it happens: Shrimplets are tiny and extremely vulnerable. Lack of hiding spots or food leads to high mortality.

5. Algae Overgrowth

Problem: Algae covering plants, substrate, or tank walls.

• Signs: Green, brown, or stringy growths overtaking the tank.

• Fixes:

  • Fast-growing stem plants and floating Frogbit can outcompete algae for nutrients.

  • Avoid overfeeding; excess nutrients fuel algae growth.

  • Maintain proper lighting cycles (6–8 hours per day).

  • Regular water changes help control excess nutrients.

Important note: Cherry shrimp are not true algae eaters. While some shrimp species eat hair algae aggressively, cherry shrimp are fussy little divas. They may nibble on soft algae occasionally, but most of what they “eat” is actually biofilm growing on the algae. Algae control in a cherry shrimp tank relies more on plant competition and nutrient management than on the shrimp themselves.

6. Stress / Hiding Shrimp

Problem: Shrimp are rarely out and about and seem withdrawn.

• Signs: Shrimp stay under leaves, in moss, or behind decorations, rarely out and about.

• Fixes:

  • Ensure plenty of hiding spots with plants and leaf litter.

  • Avoid sudden water changes or aggressive tankmates.

  • Even fish that won’t eat shrimp can cause them to hide a lot.

  • Provide a varied diet and stable water parameters to improve overall health.

Why it happens: Stress from predators, poor water quality, or lack of food makes shrimp hide. Prolonged hiding can lead to moulting problems, slow growth, and reduced reproduction.

7. Shrimp Swimming All Over the Tank

Problem: Female shrimp swimming frantically or constantly roaming the tank.

• Signs: Females move around unusually, seemingly in a panic or disoriented.

• Fixes:

  • Test for ammonia, nitrite, or other toxins in the water.

  • Check recent water changes or chemical additions that could have affected water quality.

  • Correct any spikes gradually with partial water changes, activated carbon, or water conditioners safe for invertebrates.

Important note: Male shrimp may swim around actively when a female is ready to mate — this is normal. Constant roaming and frantic behaviour in females, however, is usually a sign of poor water quality or toxins.

Conclusion

Even though cherry shrimp are hardy and beginner-friendly, problems can arise quickly if water conditions aren’t stable or the environment isn’t supportive. The key is prevention: maintain stable parameters, provide plenty of plants and hiding spots, ensure a nutritious diet, and monitor your tank closely.

When issues do arise, most can be fixed by identifying the root cause — whether it’s water chemistry, diet, hiding spaces, or tankmates — and making small, gradual adjustments.

It can be very daunting learning all this at first, and it sounds way more complicated than it actually is — especially for anyone new to aquarium keeping in general. Cherry shrimp are easy to look after, but they do require stable, healthy parameters from the start and aren’t forgiving of fluctuations. With patience, attention to water quality, and a well-planted, biofilm-rich tank, you’ll have a thriving, happy colony that’s a joy to watch.