Shrimp Mortality in Ponds: What Farmers Should Check First
Shrimp mortality is a warning that requires investigation. The cause may involve water quality, infectious disease, environmental stress, toxic exposure or a combination of factors. The appearance of dead shrimp alone is not enough to identify the cause. A structured response can help farmers avoid unnecessary interventions and provide useful information to technical professionals. Step 1: Check immediate pond conditions Measure dissolved oxygen promptly and assess other relevant water-quality parameters. Review recent weather, power interruptions, water exchange, feeding changes and any unusual events. If there is an immediate oxygen or equipment emergency, follow the farm's established response plan. Step 2: Record what has changed Document when mortality started, which ponds are affected, approximate numbers or trends, recent feed consumption and any changes in shrimp behaviour. Record observations before making major management changes where it is safe to do so. Step 3: Seek a ...