Moving Shrimp

[Shrimp Aqua]

G,day all, has anyone experienced problems when moving shrimp during winter or any other change of season.   Such as after buying shrimp and transfering them to your own tanks,  can shrimp contract white spot for example, as sometimes fish will after moving.  It seems this is the time of year when most problems are rampant.  All opinions would be appreciated about anyone's experiences.

[fishmosy]

Moving shrimp or any animal will cause some stress that could reduce their immunity and leave them vulnerable to infections. Whilst shrimp dont get white spot (its a fish parasite only), they can get a variety of infections that can kill (see the shrimp health subforum for more info).

However, my feeling is that any infection is probably secondary rather than the primary cause of deaths. I think change in environment is the big killer as most shrimp like things fairly stable.

The reason why shrimp may be more inclined to die during moves in winter is the temperature. Shrimp don't like large and sudden temperature changes. In winter, shrimp may exposed to cooler temps in transport then they are put into a comparatively warm tank.

The solutions are:

- always acclimate your shrimp slowly and even slower if there is a big temperature difference between their water and your tank.

- consider quarantining your new purchases. After the stress of transport, new shrimp may be more vulnerable to pathogens in your tanks that your shrimp will be used to.