Have you noticed your Blue Velvet shrimp dying all of a sudden? Fear not, there is still time to save some of them.
Before we rush to solve this problem, it is important to first find out what could be the possible causes of their demise.
By understanding what caused this unfortunate event, we will be able to help your lovely critters!
Blue Velvet Shrimp Dying: 11 Suspects Of Their Demise
Your Blue Velvet shrimp dying is a very unfortunate sight, no matter if you are a breeder or an aquarium hobbyist.
Let’s talk about several suspects of their demise.
1. Overfeeding
It seems to me like your Blue Velvet shrimp are getting the all-you-can-eat buffet a bit too often.
While it is okay to feed them small amounts 5 times a week, overfeeding (giving them big chunks too often) can lead to some serious health problems and even death.
It is not that their bellies explode from too much food, it is all that excess food that starts to break down and create harmful chemicals in the water, resulting in a thick biofilm on the surface.
2. Overcrowding
Overcrowding a.k.a overpopulation is when you have too many shrimp or other fish in the tank. Things get pretty cramped and stressful for all of them.
They can’t move properly and finding proper hiding places becomes practically impossible. Everyone is in everyone’s business here!
3. Tank Issues
If your tank is too small, your blue beauties won’t have enough room to roam around and find food.
Moving on to the glue that holds your tank together. Low-quality silicone can release harmful chemicals into the water and put your shrimp in danger.
Some dyes and chemicals found in the tank can be toxic to your shrimp. This usually happens when you buy second hand tanks that come with their own set of flaws.
4. Water Quality
I can not stress enough how important water quality for Blue Velvet shrimp is. If the water quality is not up to snuff, it can cause all sorts of health problems that can put your shrimp in lethal danger.
For example, high concentrations of ammonia can cause ammonia poisoning in all tank species, including shrimp. Besides that, if the pH level in the water changes suddenly, it can be a shock to their system.
But, that is not all, chlorine and hard water can also be the silent killers of your shrimp! They can prevent the shrimp from molting properly which can lead to death.
5. Uncycled Tank
An uncycled tank can be a real demise for your Blue Velvet shrimp. If the tank hasn’t had time to mature and establish a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria, it can lead to all sorts of health problems that can result in your shrimp and other fish dying.
Besides high levels of ammonia, nitrite levels can also be a huge problem. Nitrites can harm the shrimp’s body and metabolism, making them weak.
Additionally, compounds such as nitrates can stress out your blue beauties and affect their health.
6. Sudden Water Changes
Water changes can be a lifesaver for your Blue Velvet shrimp, but if they are done too suddenly or too fast, they can also be a death sentence.
It is like a shock for the shrimp’s metabolism.
They don’t like sudden temperature changes and they are super-sensitive to water quality.
7. Fast Acclimation
If you have just changed your tank water, your shrimp need time to acclimate to it. The problem occurs during sudden water change when Blue Velvets do not have enough time to acclimate properly to their new environment.
That said, water change should be done gradually to give them enough time to adjust to the transition.
8. Failed Molts
Sometimes things can go wrong and lead to failed molts.
A failed molt can happen when this little shrimp is unable to shed its old shell and form a new one. This can be caused by stress due to aggressive tank mates, poor water conditions, or a diet insufficient of calcium and other minerals.
So, when molting goes wrong, you may notice a white ring around the shrimp where the head meets the body. It is often called the “white ring of death” and it makes it difficult for the shrimp to break out of its old shell, leading to a painful death.
9. Toxic Plants
Toxic plants.. More like toxic terrors for your Blue Velvet shrimp!
Some plants such as Hygro balsamica, release harmful chemicals into the water that can poison your shrimp.
Additionally, some commercial aquarium plants are treated with pesticides, but these chemicals can kill your blue beauties.
10. Tank Mates
Blue Velvet can be pretty picky when it comes to who they share their tank with. Due to the fact that they are a peaceful species, they are often bullied by more aggressive tank mates.
Such tank mates prey on the poor little shrimp, waiting for a moment to munch on them! Imagine how stressful that makes their life!
Besides dying from stress, your shrimp can become a yummy snack to an aggressive fish such as a silvertip tetra!
11. Shrimp Source
Shopping for Blue Velvet shrimp can be a lot of fun, but not all sellers and breeders are reliable. Bad ones can lead to a whole tank of trouble!
Some irresponsible breeders raise their shrimp in an unhealthy or unsanitary environment where they can carry bacteria, viral diseases or parasites that can spread to your tank and harm your other shrimp. You know what this means? Shrimp demise!
5 Things You Can Do To Prevent Blue Velvet Shrimp Dying
Are you tired of losing Blue Velvet shrimp to mysterious causes? Fear not, we have prepared 5 things that you can do to keep your aquarium buddies healthy and happy.
After following this guide, your shrimp will live a long and carefree life!
1. Maintain Your Tank And Water Parameters
Keep your tank spacious and your water parameters in check.
If you notice that your pH levels in the tank are off, don’t fret. There are plenty of ways to raise those levels,
2. Avoid Overfeeding & Overcrowding
Make sure you are not overfeeding your Blue Velvet shrimp and that the tank isn’t overcrowded.
Also, provide your critters enough hiding places where they can rush to when they feel stressed out.
3. Provide Healthy Diet
Provide your Blue Velvets with essential vitamins and nutrients, especially calcium that is important for their molting process.
Besides commercial-bought food, feed your shrimp with blanched, green veggies!
4. Choose New Tank Mates & Plants
Make sure to research which tank mates are safe to keep with shrimp, and avoid any troublemakers.
Psst, Blue Velvets and Blue Jellies get along well. Opt for peaceful species such as Bumble Bee shrimp, Mystery snails, and neon tetras.
5. Buy From Reliable Sellers
Before buying from a breeder, do some research and look for positive reviews from other shrimp hobbyists.
A reliable breeder or seller will have healthy and happy Blue Velvet shrimp ready for a new home.
Conclusion
When it comes to Blue Velvet shrimp dying, there is a lot to consider. From avoiding overfeeding and overcrowding, to maintaining the right water parameters and avoiding toxic plants.
Keeping these shrimp healthy and prolonging their lifespan is all about paying attention to the details.
Make sure to buy smart and find reliable breeders, as well as check the water quality of your shrimp tank regularly!
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.