Cherry shrimp, with their vibrant colors and peaceful nature, are among the most popular choices for freshwater aquariums. But if you're thinking of adding other species to create a community tank, it's essential to choose wisely. Not all fish play nice with these tiny invertebrates! In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about mixing cherry shrimp with fish, including the best tank mates, things to avoid, and how to set up a harmonious ecosystem.
Why Mix Cherry Shrimp with Fish?
Mixing cherry shrimp with fish can be both beautiful and beneficial. When done right, a mixed tank adds variety, encourages natural behaviors, and helps keep algae under control. However, since cherry shrimp are small and often mistaken for food, compatibility is key.
What Are Cherry Shrimp?
Before diving into fish pairings, let’s review some quick facts about cherry shrimp:
Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi
Size: 2–3 cm (around 1 inch)
Behavior: Peaceful and shy
Lifespan: 1–2 years
Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for mixed species
Ideal Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH/KH: Moderate hardness
Cherry shrimp come in a range of colors, but the most common are red and its various grades. If you're looking to buy mix cherry shrimp in Australia, Micro Aquatic Shop offers high-quality, healthy shrimp delivered right to your door.
Top 8 Fish Species That Can Live With Cherry Shrimp
Here are eight species commonly considered safe to live with cherry shrimp:
1. Otocinclus Catfish
These gentle algae-eaters are one of the best companions for cherry shrimp. They’re peaceful, small, and won’t show interest in your shrimp.
2. Corydoras (Cory Cats)
Corys are bottom-dwellers that typically ignore shrimp. Choose dwarf varieties like pygmy corydoras for best results.
3. Neon Tetras
Although some tetras can be nippy, neon tetras are usually calm and can coexist well with adult shrimp. Just ensure there’s plenty of plant cover.
4. Endler’s Livebearers
These small, active fish are less aggressive than guppies and tend to leave shrimp alone. They're great for planted tanks with a shrimp population.
5. Celestial Pearl Danios
Also known as galaxy rasboras, these beautiful, peaceful fish are small enough not to pose a threat to adult shrimp.
6. Kuhli Loaches
With their snake-like appearance, kuhli loaches may seem intimidating, but they’re peaceful and usually don’t hunt shrimp if fed properly.
7. Chili Rasboras
Tiny and peaceful, chili rasboras are one of the safest fish you can pair with cherry shrimp in nano tanks.
8. Sparkling Gourami
Though gouramis are often semi-aggressive, the sparkling variety is small and typically peaceful enough to mix with shrimp.
🐠 Tip: Always monitor your tank closely after introducing any new fish to ensure your shrimp aren’t stressed or becoming snacks.
Fish to Avoid When Keeping Cherry Shrimp
Some fish are simply too risky to mix with cherry shrimp:
Betta Fish: While some people have success, many bettas will nip at or eat shrimp.
Angelfish: Too large and territorial for a peaceful shrimp community.
Cichlids (except for dwarf varieties): Known for aggressive and territorial behavior.
Goldfish: These are cold-water fish and will happily gobble up shrimp.
Gouramis (larger types): Unlike sparkling gouramis, most other types are aggressive and too curious for shrimp.
Tips for Creating a Safe Mixed Tank
To increase the odds of success when mixing cherry shrimp with fish:
1. Add Plants and Hiding Spots
Live plants like Java moss, Anubias, and Hornwort give shrimp places to hide and feel secure. Rocks, driftwood, and shrimp caves also help.
2. Start with Adult Shrimp
Juvenile shrimp are often small enough to be mistaken for food. Introducing full-grown cherry shrimp increases survival rates.
3. Feed Fish Well
A hungry fish is a dangerous tank mate. Make sure your fish are well-fed to reduce predatory behavior.
4. Avoid Overstocking
Too many fish lead to higher stress, more waste, and potential shrimp casualties. Stick to recommended tank sizes and stocking limits.
5. Choose a Gentle Filter
Use a sponge filter or pre-filter sponge to avoid sucking in baby shrimp. These also reduce flow, which cherry shrimp appreciate.
Why Buy Mix Cherry Shrimp from Micro Aquatic Shop?
At Micro Aquatic Shop, we specialize in providing healthy, colorful mix cherry shrimp that are perfect for both beginners and advanced aquarists. Our shrimp are:
Raised in optimal conditions
Carefully graded for quality
Acclimated for Australian water conditions
Available for fast shipping across Australia
Click here to shop mix cherry shrimp now and start building your dream community tank!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can cherry shrimp live with guppies?
Yes, but with caution. Guppies may nip at baby shrimp. Provide hiding spots and dense plants to protect your shrimp.
❓ Do cherry shrimp breed in a mixed tank?
They can, but survival rates for the babies are much lower when fish are present. A shrimp-only tank is better for breeding.
❓ How many cherry shrimp should I keep together?
Start with at least 10–15 to create a thriving colony. In a mixed tank, you may want more to ensure some survive.
❓ Do I need to feed cherry shrimp separately?
They’ll often scavenge leftovers, but feeding them algae wafers, blanched veggies, or shrimp-specific food ensures they thrive.
❓ What’s the best way to acclimate shrimp to a fish tank?
Use the drip acclimation method to gradually adjust shrimp to new water conditions. This reduces stress and improves survival.
In Conclusion: Cherry shrimp can live happily in a community tank when paired with peaceful, small fish. With the right setup, feeding, and care, your shrimp and fish can thrive together in a vibrant ecosystem.
Don’t forget — if you’re ready to start your own mixed shrimp tank, check out the premium mix cherry shrimp available at Micro Aquatic Shop for quality you can trust!a
