Where, oh where have my Blue Velvet shrimp disappeared? It seems that they are not in the tank, they are not under the gravel, but they are not around the tank either. Where could they possibly be?
Today is your lucky day because we are here to help you solve this everlasting shrimpstery!
Every tank critter likes to hide every now and then, but when they are not around for some time, we fear that they are trapped, stuck, or even dead.
Let’s get to the bottom of this common issue and find out if your Blue Velvets disappeared or died!
3 Reasons Why Your Blue Velvet Shrimp Disappeared
Before you panic, take into consideration the fact that Blue Velvet shrimp, like many other species, like to hide in all sorts of places. So, its disappearance does not necessarily mean death.
Here are three common reasons why your blue beauties disappeared all of a sudden.
1. Went On A Hiding Adventure
Could my Blue Velvet shrimp be playing hide and seek with plants and moss? Most likely!
These little shrimp tend to hide in unimaginable places, from plant leaves, small crevices, to even burrowing themselves in sand.
Hiding is simply in their veins, and they might just be true professionals! We can see this behavior in many other species, especially the Amano shrimp.
It could take days for you to find them, so keep a close eye to obvious and not-so-obvious shrimp hiding places!
2. Stuck In The Filter Tube – Help!
Oh no, your Blue Velvet shrimp getting stuck in the filter tube calls for immediate assistance!
Tank filters can be a notorious death trap for our crustacean friends. However, it is not the getting sucked in part that leads to death, it is the being stuck there for an eternity.
Think of it like a prison for dirt, where the filter captures all the yucky stuff and spits out crystal clear H2O.
Don’t worry, if you noticed your Blue Velvet shrimp disappeared and you checked the filter, there is still time to save them.
Most tank owners manage to save their shrimp by removing them from filters and adding pantyhose on the filter to keep them getting stuck there again.
3. Tank Jumping Shenanigans
Plenty of different tank shrimp species are renowned for their acrobatics, and the Blue Velvet shrimp is no exception.
So why do they do it?
They might take the leap due to the wrong water parameters, lack of hiding spots or if they feel threatened by other tank mates.
Unfortunately, not all jumpers are shrimptastic and not all have a happy ending.
Blue Velvet Shrimp Molting Or Dead?
Molting process in Blue Velvet shrimp is when they change their old exoskeleton for a new one. Now, during this time, they may act too calm, which makes many owners wonder if they are molting or just plain dead.
Molting shrimp are simply taking a break as they are shedding their shrimpy armor. And for new shrimp keepers, a discarded shell might be mistaken for a dead shrimp, as it still has all the physical characteristics.
Dead shrimp are stiff, sunken, and often have cloudy eyes. Their cute little legs are no longer wiggly, and their color might have faded.
Let’s get right into recognizing a dead Blue Velvet shrimp!
How Do I Know If My Blue Velvet Shrimp Has Passed Away?
If you are an experienced shrimp keeper, then it is pretty easy for you to spot a dead shrimp. However, if you are a beginner, things might be a bit more complicated.
You have to know what you are looking for, so you might want to check these signs that indicate a dead Blue Velvet shrimp.
3 Common Causes Of Blue Velvet Shrimp Death
Not sure if your Blue Velvet shrimp has passed away?
Keep a close eye on your tank and look for the following signs:
1. Predation – A Shrimp’s Worst Nightmare
If your Blue Velvet shrimp are placed in a tank that has one or more aggressive species, chances are that they were attacked and eaten by larger fish or other aquatic critters.
After all, these shrimp are very peaceful and they usually mind their own business, making them the perfect target for tank troublemakers.
That said, make sure to match them with peaceful species such as neon tetras or Bumble Bee shrimp.
2. Water Parameter Troubles
Besides health problems, improper water parameters can lead to a variety of other problems, including a Blue Velvet shrimp disappearing or dying.
Make sure to proceed with regular water tests that will ensure that your shrimp have the best possible stay at their lovely tank. To keep the water parameters a-okay, we’ve prepared a simple table:
| Water Temperature | 70°F to 75°F |
| pH Levels | 6.5 to 7.5 |
| Water Hardness | 6-8 ppm |
| Carbonate Hardness | 1 – 4 ppm |
| Nitrates | 0 to 20 ppm |
| Nitrites | 0 ppm |
| Ammonia | 0 ppm |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 150 – 250 ppm |
3. Toxins In The Water
Your Blue Velvet shrimp’s tank should be a safe haven, not a danger zone. Contaminants from your hands or new plants and excess food can be a major no-no for our little friends.
Additionally, testing the water for copper and lead is crucial, as high concentrations of these metals can be deadly too.
3 Signs Of A Dead Blue Velvet Shrimp
Know a dead Blue Velvet shrimp when you see one! There are big differences between healthy, molting, and dead shrimp.
Let’s check out three obvious signs that your shrimp buddy has passed away.
1. Change In Body Color
When this shrimp takes its final swim, its once vibrant blue body may take on a new color, but not in a good way.
As the Blue Velvet shrimp approaches the end of its journey, its body may change from a lively blue color to black, or almost translucent gray.
2. Loss Of Movement
Dead Blue Velvet shrimp are completely stiff and motionless. They just float in the tank, still as a statue. No more waving arms, no more burrowing, just pure stillness.
If you tap on the glass and do not get any reaction from your shrimp pal, then it is probably time to say goodbye.
3. Other Critters Feeding On It
Your aquarium can sometimes be a very dark place. When a Blue Velvet shrimp dies, its tank mates don’t waste any time chowing down the remains.
So, if you notice your blue shrimp has gone missing, don’t be too shocked if you see other tank mates munching on their limp bodies. It’s simply how things go!
Should I Say Goodbye And Remove My Dead Blue Velvet From The Tank?
Yes, absolutely!
Don’t let your Blue Velvet shrimp just float aimlessly in the tank. Its decaying body can cause water quality issues and ammonia poisoning, which can affect other tank critters.
Instead, give them a proper goodbye and remove them from the tank. You can safely dispose of them by burying or composting them.
Conclusion
We hope that our article helped you get to the bottom of this shrimpy mystery or as I like to call it shrimpstery!
If you are not sure if Blue Velvet shrimp disappeared or died, keep an eye out for all of the signs that could indicate disappearance or death.
Make sure to check inside and outside of your tank!
Hi fellow aquarists, I’m Ava and I’ve been an enthusiastic aquarium hobbyist for over four years now.
I’ve been amazed by these beautiful creatures since I was a kid and I’m thrilled to be sharing everything I’ve learned over the years with anyone who’s as passionate about the topic as I am.