The blue shrimp Litopenaeus stylirostris was exposed to pond sediment for 48 h and its physiological response was studied in relation to molt stage. Shrimp were maintained in cages within a semi-intensive pond after 4 months of rearing. Hypoosmoregulatory capacity (hypo-OC), magnesium ions (Mg ions), glucose, total proteins and oxyhaemocyanin were assayed in haemolymph. An increase of 370% to 500% in Mg ions concentration and 200% to 266% in glucose concentration, and a decrease in hypo-OC in shrimp maintained close to the centre of the pond indicated a short-term stress response in all molt stages. Indicators of water and sediment pore water quality were within normal operating limits, however this area was characterized by high water content and relatively high total ammonia nitrogen in pore water of sediment. To a lesser extent, shrimp maintained in two other stations also presented a stress response. Physiological response of shrimp in molt stage D, compared to C/D-0 and D-2 seems to indicate that shrimp were more sensitive to environment at this stage. The use and choice of physiological parameters to detect shrimp stress in a pond are discussed.