Buying shrimp: check the animals, seller and water

Buy shrimp only when you know the species or line and the receiving tank suits it. Look at the whole group, ask about recent losses and have the seller explain water preparation. Bright colour and activity do not rule out a health problem; appearance alone cannot establish health.

Observe the sales tank

• Walking, grazing and responding normally are useful observations. Also look for loss of balance, persistent unusual swimming, visible growths and dead animals in the group. One resting animal is not a diagnosis.
• Ask how any losses were investigated and what changed. Avoid a rushed purchase from a group with unexplained problems.
• Ask for species, colour line, adult size, age if known and origin. A local breeder may explain the conditions more clearly, but local origin does not guarantee freedom from disease.
• Ask about recent medicines, additives and changes to water or housing.

A message you can send the seller

“Which species or line is this? What temperature, GH, KH and pH is the group kept at? Which tap or RO water, mineral product and substrate do you use? When were these readings taken? Were the animals bred here or received recently? Have there been recent losses or treatments? How do you transport them and what do you advise on arrival?”

Conductivity or TDS can provide an additional reference when the unit and method are known. Identical TDS readings can hide different compositions. A small pH difference likewise does not establish that the water systems are compatible. Compare the whole setup using the water decision guide, without automatically treating the seller’s values as ideal targets.

Prepare for arrival

Discuss packaging, journey length, expected outdoor temperature and delivery timing in advance. Keep animals out of direct sun and hot cars. Have the tank, intake protection and measurements ready before arrival. For shipping, ask for instructions in case of a delayed or damaged parcel.

Slow acclimation is not a reason to leave animals for hours in polluted transport water. Oxygen, carbon dioxide and ammonia may change in transit; opening and mixing change conditions again. Assess journey duration, behaviour and water quality and use a suitable acclimation procedure. Avoid unnecessarily adding transport water to an established colony.

Protect an existing colony

A separate suitable observation tank with dedicated equipment can reduce transfer risks. It must itself be mature and appropriate; an unsuitable temporary container is not safe quarantine. Discuss observation and any treatment for a specific health concern with an aquatic animal-health professional. No fixed waiting period or preventive product provides a general guarantee.

After arrival, record behaviour, measurements, feeding and losses. Do not immediately add another group if the first deteriorates without explanation. A purchase checklist helps identify risks; it is not a health certificate.

Sources and scope

• LICG: Zoetwatergarnaal
• UF/IFAS: Fish Health Management Considerations in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
• UF/IFAS: Preparation of Ornamental Fish for Shipping
• UF/IFAS: Ammonia in Aquatic Systems
• NDSU Extension: Electrical conductivity and TDS meters

The checklist is our practical judgement. LICG describes general shrimp husbandry. The UF/IFAS sources concern fish and support only the stated system and transport principles, not a shrimp-specific quarantine period or treatment.