Ornamental shrimp kept in home and display aquaria have welfare needs related to water quality, temperature, social housing, and protection from predation that are often inadequately met.
The welfare status of ornamental shrimp is scientifically debated, but growing evidence supports the view that crustaceans can experience pain and stress. In the aquarium trade, shrimp commonly suffer from poor water quality, copper contamination from medications or piping, thermal shock during shipping, predation, and molting failures from mineral-deficient water. The transport and collection of wild shrimp causes high mortality and welfare harm. Hobbyists who invest in understanding shrimp-specific water chemistry, avoid copper-based treatments, maintain stable parameters, and source captive-bred animals can substantially improve the welfare of these animals.