We have a freshwater fish tank, previously two goldfish, four shrimp, all living happily. The shrimp have been in there for ages and have grown quite big. One of the goldfish died (bullied by the other fish), so we bought four Danios to replace it. also changed approx. 1/2 the tank water and gave it a clean.
Now the shrimp seem to be paralysed, they lie on their backs and then occasionally they propel themselves to the top of the tank and then float back to the bottom, motionless again. This has all happened within about a 6 hour window.
What’s going on? Any ideas?
Thanks for letting me know about you culinary preferences, Hudson. I also like shrimp with my pasta, but on this occasion I’d be happy for you to eat my dead crustaceans, just call over tomorrow morning.
Thanks Muppy, but it’s not old age – four of them have gone the same way within a few hours.
Perhaps the fish have brought something in, concealing cyanide in their gills perhaps, but the big question is… what don’t the shrimp like? Is there a naturally occurring fish tank chemical that they don’t like in excess? Come on people, this is the most important thing that’s happened in my house in the last hour! Save the shrimp!
Lynne – you may be onto something. No, no conditioner used. In the past they haven’t been bothered, but it was given a more thorough clean today.
OK, so if the water has too much chlorine in it, how can we remove it once it’s in the tank?
Nearly there folks. I know you’re all looking forward to a prawn cocktail, but they’re suffering, poor little things. We need solutions!
