Keeping shrimp can be a rewarding experience for aquarium hobbyists. Their bright colors, peaceful nature, and energetic antics make them fun additions to community tanks. But what are the best tank mates for shrimp? Choosing compatible companions is key to creating a safe, thriving environment.
When selecting tank mates, it’s important to consider factors like temperament, diet, size, and water parameters. Small, peaceful fish that won’t prey on adult shrimp or fry make ideal companions. Good options include neon tetras, pygmy corydoras, endler guppies, chili rasboras, and otocinclus catfish. Larger fish may eat or intimidate shrimp, so avoid predators like cichlids, goldfish, and angelfish.
Tank mates should share similar water needs as shrimp. Most popular freshwater shrimp like cherry, ghost, and amano shrimp prefer soft, slightly acidic water. Fish that thrive in these conditions, such as neon tetras and pygmy corys, make better companions. Diet is another key factor. Shrimp enjoy grazing on algae and biofilm, while fish need protein-rich foods. Providing both will prevent competition.
When housing shrimp with fish, provide ample hiding spots with plants and decor. This allows timid species to feel secure while minimizing aggression. Acclimating and quarantining new additions properly will further ease the transition. With some planning and research, shrimp and fish can coexist happily. This article explores ideal tank mates, compatibility considerations, and tips for a safe, diverse community tank.
- The ideal tank mates for shrimp include small snails like nerite, mystery, bladder, and Malaysian trumpet snails.
- Larger filter – feeding shrimp such as bamboo and vampire shrimp can peacefully coexist with other shrimp species.
- Shrimp like Amano, ghost, and vampire are compatible with each other in a community tank.
- Other suitable tank mates for shrimp include otocinclus and corydoras catfish, ember tetras, celestial pearl danios, pygmy corydoras, and endlers (both males and females).
What Is the Ideal Environment for Shrimp?
Shrimp need clean and steady water to live. This is very true for cherry shrimp. If you keep high-grade cherry shrimp, the water needs to be even better. The tank must have the right size and light for the shrimp.
A good filter helps keep the water clean and safe for them. Plants in the tank give more places for shrimp to hide or find food.
Good water quality means that it has no bad things like harmful chemicals or metals in it. Water temperature should be warm but not too hot or cold. It’s also important that the pH level – how acid or base (opposite of acid) a liquid is – of the water to suit them properly, different types of shrimps like different pH levels! Low noise around them makes shrimps happy too because loud sounds scare them easily.
Are Shrimp Good Tank Mates?
Shrimp make great tank mates. They are calm and do not harm other fish. Amano shrimp, ghost shrimp, and cherry shrimp are all good choices for a shared tank. Shrimp like to clean up after meals too.
After the fish eat, they find and pick up leftovers at the bottom of the tank. This helps to keep the water clean and safe for all creatures in it. But remember, you must pair them with other calm fishes that won’t hurt them.
There’s more about what makes a good mate for your pet shrimp! If you place small snails like nerite or mystery ones with your shrimps they will get along just fine! Also larger filter-feeding shrimps such as bamboo and vampire can live peacefully with them.
Yet not everything goes well together in a fish tank. When picking friends for your shrimp avoid Goldfishes, large Rainbowfish or any big Gouramis as they may bully the smaller ones.
What Are the Best Tank Mates for Shrimp?
Shrimp live well with small snails. Nerite, Mystery, Bladder, and Malaysian Trumpet Snails are good choices. They won’t hurt shrimp. They also clean the tank by eating algae and leftovers.
There are bigger friends for shrimps. These may include Bamboo Shrimp and Vampire Shrimp who love to filter feed. Other mates can be Amano Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp, and more Vampire Shrimps.
Some fish types are also safe for shrimp. Otocinclus Catfish is one of them. Ember Tetras and Celestial Pearl Danios along with Pygmy Corydoras make great matches too! Endlers Males & Females even caring for their little ones do just fine in a mixed tank with shrimp.
You could add Chili Rasboras or Dwarf Cory Catfish but beware! These fish might snack on baby shrimp if given a chance.
1. Little Snails Like Nerite, Mystery, Bladder, and Malaysian Trumpet Snails.
Nerite, Mystery, Bladder, and Malaysian Trumpet Snails share a tank well with shrimp. They are small and gentle. These snails move slow but do a big job. They clean the tank by eating algae and leftover food.
The Nerite snail can’t have babies in a shrimp tank. This is good if you don’t want too many snails. The Malaysian Trumpet Snail burrows in the sand or gravel at the bottom of the tank.
This helps keep the tank floor clean too! Both these types of snails get along great with other friendly water creatures.
2. Larger Filter-Feeding Shrimp, Such as Bamboo and Vampire Shrimp.
Larger filter-feeding shrimp, like bamboo and vampire shrimp, are great tank mates for a peaceful community. Bamboo shrimp are peaceful and gentle, making them a good fit for most aquariums.
They have special feathery appendages that they use to filter out food particles from the water. On the other hand, vampire shrimp are active filter feeders who snatch food from the water current using their little fanned “hands.” They enjoy areas of the aquarium with strong water flow.
These larger filter-feeding shrimp add diversity and unique behaviors to your tank while helping maintain water quality through their feeding habits.
3. Amano Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp, and Vampire Shrimp.
Amano Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp, and Vampire Shrimp are popular choices as tank mates for other shrimp species. They can also be kept together in a community tank with other compatible freshwater aquarium shrimp.
Amano Shrimp and Vampire Shrimp have similar water requirements and can coexist peacefully. Additionally, Ghost Shrimp and Vampire Shrimp can live together in a tank with other suitable species.
These three types of shrimp make great additions to a shrimp tank due to their compatibility with each other and their ability to thrive in the same environment.
4. Otocinclus and Corydoras Catfish, Ember Tetras, Celestial Pearl Danios, and Pygmy Corydoras.
Otocinclus and Corydoras catfish, Ember tetras, Celestial Pearl Danios, and Pygmy corydoras are all great tank mates for Neocaridina freshwater shrimp. These fish are peaceful and won’t harm the shrimp.
They also have similar water parameter requirements, which makes it easier to maintain a healthy environment for both the fish and the shrimp. Keep in mind that while these fish generally get along well with shrimp, there is still a small chance that they may eat shrimp eggs or cherry shrimp babies.
It’s important to monitor their behavior closely to ensure the safety of your shrimp population.
5. Endlers Both Males and Females With and Without Their Fry.
Endlers Livebearers are a popular choice for tank mates with shrimp because they are generally peaceful and compatible. Both male and female Endlers can be kept in a shrimp tank, including those with or without their fry (baby fish).
Female Endlers have a rounder abdomen to carry and give birth to live young known as fry. These fish can breed regularly in good conditions, so you may expect new fry every 23-24 days.
Other recommended tank mates for Endlers include guppies, tetras, and corydoras catfish. Their peaceful nature makes them suitable companions for many species of shrimp.
6. Chili Rasboras, but They May Eat Shrimp Babies.
Chili rasboras are small fish that can be good tank mates for shrimp. They are peaceful and generally get along well with shrimp. However, there is a potential issue to consider. While chili rasboras are too small to eat adult shrimp, they may eat shrimp babies.
This is because baby shrimp serve as a natural food source for them. So, if you have a breeding population of shrimpand want to keep their babies safe, it’s best to avoid keeping them with chili rasboras in the same tank.
7. Dwarf Cory Catfish, but They May Eat Shrimp Babies.
Dwarf cory catfish can be good tank mates for shrimp, but there is a possibility that they may eat the shrimp babies. However, overall, these two can live peacefully together in the same tank.
If you want to keep cherry shrimp and dwarf cory catfish together, it’s important to ensure that both are well-fed to prevent any aggression towards the baby shrimps caused by hunger.
The pygmy cory and dwarf cory catfish are considered safer options as tank mates for cherry shrimp.
What Fish Should Not Be Kept With Shrimp?
Not many fish species are suitable to be kept with shrimp in the same tank. This is because shrimp are small, tasty, and have a high protein content, making them an easy meal for some fish.
Goldfish of any size should not be kept with shrimp as they may eat them. Large rainbowfish and larger gourami also pose a threat to shrimp due to their predatory nature. Spiny eels, larger livebearers, and most loaches, particularly those from the Botia genus, can also be nippy and aggressive towards shrimp.
Betta fish may eat shrimp babies if given the chance. “Micro predators” like Badis or Pygmy Sunfish or Licorice Gourami should also not be kept with shrimp as they may see them as food.
Lastly, medium to large-sized fish like cichlids, rainbowfish, and bigger plecos can potentially harm or even devour adult shrimps.
1. Goldfish (Any Size)
Goldfish, regardless of their size, should not be kept with shrimp. Goldfish have a strong appetite for red cherry shrimp, making them a risky tank mate. There is a high chance that the goldfish will eat the shrimp if they are introduced together.
When considering keeping goldfish and shrimp in the same tank, it’s important to remember that the size of the shrimp matters too. If the shrimp can fit into the goldfish’s mouth, they become an easy target for a snack.
Therefore, it is best to avoid putting goldfish and any size of shrimp together to ensure the safety of the shrimp population in your aquarium.
2. Large Rainbowfish and Larger Gourami of Any Sort
Large Rainbowfish and larger Gourami of any sort can be challenging tank mates for shrimp. These fish have bigger mouths, making them more likely to eat the smaller shrimps. It is important to choose compatible tank mates based on their size and temperament when keeping large Rainbowfish and Gourami with shrimp.
Boeseman’s Rainbowfish are a good option because they have small mouths and are less likely to harm the shrimp. Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish also make great tank mates for Gourami as they are peaceful fish.
However, it is crucial to avoid fin nipping fish or aggressive tank mates that may pose a threat to the shrimp’s safety. When selecting tank mates, consider their compatibility with shrimp and ensure they can coexist peacefully in the same aquarium environment.
3. Spiny Eels, Larger Livebearers, and Most Loaches, Particularly Those Nippy Denizens of the Botia Genus
Spiny eels, larger livebearers, and certain loaches from the Botia genus should be avoided as tank mates for shrimp. Spiny eels are long and look like true eels, but they’re not related.
Some species of swamp eels have males that grow a head hump and are bigger than females. Notacanthidae or deep-sea spiny eels can be found worldwide in depths below 125 m and can go as deep as 3,500 m.
So it’s best to keep these fish separate from your shrimp tank.
4. Betta Fish May Eat Shrimp Babies
Betta fish can pose a threat to shrimp babies in the tank. Although betta fish usually leave healthy adult shrimp alone, they may see baby shrimps as food. To prevent this from happening, it’s crucial to provide hiding places for the shrimp babies.
These hiding spots will keep them safe and away from the reach of betta fish. By creating secure areas within the tank, you can ensure that your shrimp babies have a higher chance of survival and grow into healthy adults without being eaten by their tank mate, the betta fish.
5. “Micro Predators” Like Badis or Pygmy Sunfish or Licorice Gourami
Avoid keeping “Micro Predators” like Badis, Pygmy Sunfish, or Licorice Gourami with your shrimp. These small fish are known for their predatory nature and may see the shrimp as a tasty snack.
While they may not harm adult shrimp, they can pose a threat to baby shrimps due to their size and hunting instincts. It’s best to avoid these fish if you want to ensure the safety of your shrimp population in the tank.
6. Medium to Large-Sized Fish Like Cichlids, Rainbowfish, and Bigger Plecos
Medium to large-sized fish, such as cichlids, rainbowfish, and bigger plecos, are not recommended as tank mates for shrimp. These fish can be aggressive and may view the shrimp as food.
Shrimp are small and vulnerable, so it’s best to keep them with peaceful and smaller fish species to ensure their safety. It’s important to consider the size and temperament of potential tank mates before adding them to a shrimp tank.
How to Introduce New Fish to a Shrimp Tank?
Looking for the perfect tank mates for your shrimp? We’ve got you covered! Did you know that cherry shrimp can live happily with other small invertebrates like vampire shrimp and otocinclus catfish? In our blog post, we’ll reveal the best tank mates for shrimp and provide expert advice on creating a harmonious aquarium environment. Get ready to discover the secrets of successful shrimp companionship!
Feeding Shrimp: Dietary Requirements and Impact on Tank Mates
Shrimp have specific dietary requirements that need to be met in order for them to thrive in an aquarium. They are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant matter and small organisms.
It is important to provide them with a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods. This can include specialized shrimp pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and frozen or live foods like brine shrimp or daphnia.
Proper feeding is not only important for the health of the shrimp but also has an impact on their tank mates. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and potentially harm other inhabitants of the tank.
Uneaten food can break down and create ammonia spikes, which is toxic to fish and other aquatic creatures.
It’s crucial to monitor the amount of food given to shrimp and remove any uneaten leftovers after a few hours. By providing adequate nutrition while being mindful of tank mate compatibility, you can ensure a harmonious environment where everyone thrives.
Shrimp Behavior With Different Tank Mates: What to Expect?
Shrimp behavior can vary depending on their tank mates. When kept with snails like nerite, mystery, bladder, or Malaysian trumpet snails, shrimp generally get along well and may even groom the snails by picking off algae from their shells.
Larger filter-feeding shrimp such as bamboo and vampire shrimp are also compatible tank mates for shrimp. Amano shrimp, ghost shrimp, and vampire shrimp can coexist peacefully in the same tank.
However, not all fish are suitable tank mates for shrimp. Goldfish of any size should not be kept with shrimp as they may harm or eat them. Large rainbowfish and gouramis should also be avoided due to their aggressive nature.
Betta fish may eat baby shrimps if given the chance. “Micro predators” like badis or pygmy sunfish are not recommended either.
Overall, it’s important to choose tank mates that will not harm or stress out the shrimps. Keeping peaceful species like neon tetras, endler guppies (both males and females), pygmy corydoras catfish, otocinclus catfish, and certain aquarium snails can provide a safe environment for your cherry shrimps without causing conflicts.
FAQ
Can Shrimp Live Alone?
Shrimp can live alone and thrive on their own. Ghost shrimp, in particular, are solitary creatures that do not require any tank mates. Cherry shrimp can also live by themselves, but they do appreciate the company of other cherry shrimp.
However, it is important to note that some species of shrimp, like Amano shrimp, are more social and make great tank mates for cherry shrimp. Ultimately, whether or not a shrimp can live alone depends on its specific species and temperament.
How Many Shrimp Can You Keep Together?
You can keep around 15 ghost shrimp together in a tank, which is considered ideal. Ghost shrimp are non-aggressiveand can live harmoniously with each other. They make great tankmates for cherry shrimp as well.
So, if you’re planning to create a shrimp community in your aquarium, having multiple ghost shrimp is a good option. Just make sure to provide them with the right environment and plenty of hiding spots to keep everyone happy and stress-free.
What to Do if Your Shrimp Is Aggressive?
If your shrimp is aggressive towards other tank mates, it’s important to take action to prevent harm. One option is to separate the aggressive shrimp from the rest of the aquarium.
You can do this by using a breeder box or a small isolation tank within the main tank. This will give the aggressive shrimp its own space while still being able to observe and interact with other inhabitants.
Another option is to provide plenty of hiding places and vegetation in the aquarium. Creating a well-planted environment with lots of hiding spots can help reduce aggression by providing refuge for both the aggressive shrimp and its potential targets.
How Can You Train Fish to Not Eat Shrimp in a Shared Tank?
Training fish to not eat shrimp in a shared tank can be challenging. Fish have natural instincts to prey on small creatures like shrimp, so changing their behavior may take time and patience.
One method you can try is providing plenty of hiding places for the shrimp, such as plants or caves, where they can escape from the fish. This will help reduce the chances of predation.
Another approach is to feed your fish well so that they are less inclined to hunt for food. By satisfying their hunger with regular meals, they may be less likely to target the shrimp.
Additionally, carefully selecting compatible tank mates that have a peaceful temperament and smaller mouths can also help create an environment where the shrimp feel safe and secure.
Are There Any Bottom-Dwelling Fish That Can Live With Shrimp?
Some bottom-dwelling fish can coexist with shrimp in the same tank. Species such as Otocinclus catfish, also known as “Otos,” are compatible tank mates for both Neocaridina and cherry shrimp.
These catfish are peaceful and won’t harm the shrimp. They help keep the tank clean by eating algae. Another option is dwarf Corydoras catfish, but they may eat shrimp babies, so it’s important to provide plenty of hiding places for the young shrimp.
By choosing the right bottom-dwelling fish, you can create a harmonious environment where both fish and shrimp can thrive together.
What Are Some Non-Predatory Fish Species That Can Live With Shrimp?
Some non-predatory fish species that can live peacefully with shrimp in a tank include Otocinclus catfish, Corydoras catfish, Ember tetras, Celestial pearl danios, and Pygmy corydoras.
These fish are known to be peaceful and won’t harm or eat the shrimp. They can coexist in the same tank without any issues. It’s important to choose compatible tank mates for your shrimp to ensure their safety and well-being.
What Are the Different Types of Shrimp That Can Be Kept in a Tank?
Different types of shrimp that can be kept in a tank include:
- Cherry Shrimp
- Amano Shrimp
- Ghost Shrimp
- Red Crystal Shrimp
- Bamboo Shrimp
- Vampire Shrimp
- Blue Tiger Shrimp
- Snowball Shrimp
What Is the Best Substrate for Shrimp?
Soil-based substrates, like Monte Carlo, are considered the best substrate for shrimp. These substrates provide essential nutrients for plant growth in shrimp tanks. Shrimps love to dig the substrate, bury themselves, and scavenge for food, so having a good substrate is important.
Buffering substrates can also help maintain the low pH and soft water that shrimp species prefer. Ultimately, the best substrate choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of your shrimp and plants.
What Plants Are Good for Shrimp Tanks?
Plants that are good for shrimp tanks include:
- Java Moss: This popular plant provides hiding spots for shrimp in the tank.
- Anubias: Anubias is another good plant option for shrimp tanks.
- Java Fern: Java Fern is recommended for a Bamboo Shrimp habitat.
- Vallisneria: Vallisneria is a plant that can be used in shrimp tanks.
- Hornwort: Hornwort is another plant that is suitable for shrimp tanks.
How Often Should I Feed Shrimp?
Feeding shrimp depends on the size of your shrimp population and their tank mates. If you have hundreds of shrimp, it’s recommended to feed them daily. But if you have a smaller population, feeding them 2-3 times a week is enough.
It’s important to consider the needs of other tank mates too when deciding on feeding frequency. For example, filter-feeding shrimp like bamboo shrimp should be fed through their specialized feeding behavior and kept in a ratio of one per 20 gallons of water.
Cherry shrimp can breed depending on various factors and they can have suitable tank mates like neon tetras, amano shrimp, and endler guppies.
What Are Some Common Diseases That Affect Shrimp?
Shrimp can get sick too! Here are some diseases that can affect them:
- Scutariella Japonica: This is a common nematode parasite that affects shrimp in freshwater tanks.
- White spot disease: One of the most important viral diseases that affect shrimp.
- Bacterial infections: These can cause shrimp to lose color and become lethargic.
- Fungal infections: These are caused by unclean water conditions and decaying organic material, like leftover food or dead plants.
How Can I Prevent and Treat Shrimp Diseases?
To prevent and treat shrimp diseases, follow these steps:
- Maintain good water quality by regularly testing and monitoring the parameters such as temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.
- Ensure proper filtration in the tank to remove waste and maintain a clean environment.
- Avoid overfeeding the shrimp as excess food can lead to bacterial growth and water pollution.
- Quarantine new shrimp before introducing them to the main tank to prevent the spread of diseases or parasites.
- Provide a balanced diet for the shrimp, including specialized shrimp pellets or algae – based foods.
- Regularly clean the tank and remove any uneaten food or debris to prevent contamination.
- Avoid using copper – based medications or treatments as they can be harmful to shrimp.
- If you notice any signs of illness or disease in your shrimp, isolate them immediately in a separate quarantine tank.
- Research specific diseases that affect shrimp and seek appropriate treatment options from a knowledgeable source or veterinarian.
- Follow treatment instructions carefully and use medication or remedies designed for treating shrimp diseases.