Keeping shrimp lines separate and their origins traceable

Separate tanks help only when transfers and labels also remain correct. Give each group a stable code and check it before moving an animal, plant or wet tool. Small shrimp can travel with material, and similar-looking animals can have different origins.

Use a consistent transfer sequence

1. Record source tank, destination, date and reason before catching. Confirm that the destination is suitable and ready.
2. Handle one transfer at a time. Label holding containers immediately and keep them physically separate.
3. Inspect the net, plants and remaining water for animals left behind. Use dedicated tools per group where practical.
4. Count what actually moved and record uncertainty. Update the label and log immediately.

For shared equipment, choose cleaning or disinfection appropriate to the material and actual risk; a colour-selection plan supplies no universal chemical or dose. Prevent harmful residues entering the next tank. Separate breeding groups also need their own food and filtration checks.

If mixing happens

Record the possible source and date, and change the status to mixed or uncertain. Do not declare unknown ancestry “pure” again from colour alone. Preserve an honest description when rehoming and reassess whether the group still suits the original selection aim.

A tank label needs only group code, species or line, an origin reference and last change. Detailed measurements and outcomes belong in the breeding log. This keeps the label readable and the history retrievable.

Sources and scope

• LICG: Zoetwatergarnaal
• Tave, FAO (1999): Genetics, phenotype and genotype

The sources support biological concepts, trade descriptions and general care. The selection and record-keeping workflow is our editorial proposal, not personal breeding experience or evidence of a predictable genetic outcome. The transfer sequence aims to reduce mistakes; it is not a validated disinfection method.