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The Complete Shrimp Guide - species, water params, and safe tankmates.

Build calmer shrimp-focused aquariums by selecting peaceful companions and matching stable water ranges.

Shrimp Species

Sulawesi, Indonesia
Cardinal Shrimp

Cardinal Shrimp

Caridina dennerli

Temp26–30°C
pH7.5–8.5
Size2.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyExpert
Adult tank57 L
Recommended group—

Cardinal Shrimp

Caridina dennerli

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Taiwan (selectively bred from wild Neocaridina davidi)
Cherry Shrimp

Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Temp18–28°C
pH6.5–8
Size2.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank19 L
Recommended group—

Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
West Africa (Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria)
Vampire Shrimp

Vampire Shrimp

Atya gabonensis

Temp24–28°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size15 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank100 L
Recommended group—

Vampire Shrimp

Atya gabonensis

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Japan, Taiwan, Korea
Amano Shrimp

Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

Temp18–28°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size5 cm
DietHerbivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank40 L
Recommended group—

Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Southeastern United States
Ghost shrimp

Ghost shrimp

Palaemon paludosus

Temp18–28°C
pH6.5–8
Size4 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank40 L
Recommended group—

Ghost shrimp

Palaemon paludosus

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand)
Bamboo Shrimp

Bamboo Shrimp

Atyopsis moluccensis

Temp22–28°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size10 cm
DietDetritivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank80 L
Recommended group—

Bamboo Shrimp

Atyopsis moluccensis

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare

Shrimp-Safe Fish

Shrimp-safe
South America
Adolf's catfish

Adolf's catfish

Corydoras adolfoi

Temp22–26°C
pH6–7
Size6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank80 L
Recommended group—

Keep a group on clean fine sand or smooth, rounded gravel.

Adolf's catfish

Corydoras adolfoi

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—

Keep a group on clean fine sand or smooth, rounded gravel.

Compare
Shrimp-safe
Japan, Taiwan, Korea
Amano Shrimp

Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

Temp18–28°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size5 cm
DietHerbivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank40 L
Recommended group—

Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Asian Stone Catfish

Asian Stone Catfish

Hara jerdoni

Temp18–24°C
pH5.6–7.6
Size3 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank12.5 L
Recommended group—

Asian Stone Catfish

Hara jerdoni

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia)
Assassin Snail

Assassin Snail

Anentome helena

Temp21–27°C
pH7.2–8
Size3 cm
DietCarnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank20 L
Recommended group—

Assassin Snail

Anentome helena

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand)
Bamboo Shrimp

Bamboo Shrimp

Atyopsis moluccensis

Temp22–28°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size10 cm
DietDetritivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank80 L
Recommended group—

Bamboo Shrimp

Atyopsis moluccensis

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Black neon tetra

Black neon tetra

Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Temp20–28°C
pH5–7.5
Size3.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank72 L
Recommended group—

Black neon tetra

Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Upper Rio Madeira basin (Bolivia/Brazil), Pantanal
Black phantom tetra

Black phantom tetra

Hyphessobrycon megalopterus

Temp20–28°C
pH5–7
Size3.6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank72 L
Recommended group—

Black phantom tetra

Hyphessobrycon megalopterus

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Black ruby barb

Black ruby barb

Pethia nigrofasciata

Temp20–27°C
pH5.5–7.5
Size5.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank80 L
Recommended group—

Black ruby barb

Pethia nigrofasciata

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Black widow tetra

Black widow tetra

Gymnocorymbus ternetzi

Temp20–26°C
pH6–7
Size6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank70 L
Recommended group—

Black widow tetra

Gymnocorymbus ternetzi

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Blackline penguinfish

Blackline penguinfish

Thayeria boehlkei

Temp22–28°C
pH5.5–8
Size3.6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank68 L
Recommended group—

Blackline penguinfish

Thayeria boehlkei

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Blackline rasbora

Blackline rasbora

Rasbora borapetensis

Temp22–26°C
pH6–7.5
Size5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank70 L
Recommended group—

Blackline rasbora

Rasbora borapetensis

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Upper Amazon basin (Brazil/Peru/Colombia)
Bleeding-heart tetra

Bleeding-heart tetra

Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma

Temp21–28°C
pH4–7.5
Size6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank81 L
Recommended group—

Bleeding-heart tetra

Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Blue Belly Goby

Blue Belly Goby

Stiphodon percnopterygionus

Temp22–28°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size3.5 cm
DietHerbivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Blue Belly Goby

Stiphodon percnopterygionus

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Blue danio

Blue danio

Brachydanio kerri

Temp18–26°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size4.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank72 L
Recommended group—

Blue danio

Brachydanio kerri

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and Borneo
Borneo Loach

Borneo Loach

Pangio shelfordii

Temp21–26°C
pH4–7
Size8 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Borneo Loach

Pangio shelfordii

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Bronze corydoras

Bronze corydoras

Osteogaster aenea

Temp22–26°C
pH6–8
Size7.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank72 L
Recommended group—

Keep a group with a base of at least 80 × 30 cm and clean sand or smooth gravel.

Bronze corydoras

Osteogaster aenea

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—

Keep a group with a base of at least 80 × 30 cm and clean sand or smooth gravel.

Compare
Shrimp-safe
North America
Butterfly splitfin

Butterfly splitfin

Ameca splendens

Temp20–26°C
pH7–8
Size8 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank80 L
Recommended group—

Butterfly splitfin

Ameca splendens

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Sulawesi, Indonesia
Cardinal Shrimp

Cardinal Shrimp

Caridina dennerli

Temp26–30°C
pH7.5–8.5
Size2.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyExpert
Adult tank57 L
Recommended group—

Cardinal Shrimp

Caridina dennerli

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Cardinal tetra

Cardinal tetra

Paracheirodon axelrodi

Temp23–29°C
pH3.5–7.5
Size3.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Cardinal tetra

Paracheirodon axelrodi

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Celebes rainbowfish

Celebes rainbowfish

Marosatherina ladigesi

Temp22–28°C
pH7–8
Size8 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank70 L
Recommended group—

Celebes rainbowfish

Marosatherina ladigesi

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Checkered barb

Checkered barb

Oliotius oligolepis

Temp18–25°C
pH5.5–7.5
Size4.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank68 L
Recommended group—

Checkered barb

Oliotius oligolepis

Lifespan estimate
4 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Chen Hillstream Loach

Chen Hillstream Loach

Pseudogastromyzon cheni

Temp20–25°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyHard
Adult tank75 L
Recommended group—

Maintain strong oxygenation, water movement and mature biofilm on rocks.

Chen Hillstream Loach

Pseudogastromyzon cheni

Lifespan estimate
4 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—

Maintain strong oxygenation, water movement and mature biofilm on rocks.

Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Cherry barb

Cherry barb

Puntius titteya

Temp20–27°C
pH6–8
Size5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Cherry barb

Puntius titteya

Lifespan estimate
4 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Taiwan (selectively bred from wild Neocaridina davidi)
Cherry Shrimp

Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Temp18–28°C
pH6.5–8
Size2.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank19 L
Recommended group—

Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Chili Rasbora

Chili Rasbora

Boraras brigittae

Temp20–28°C
pH4–7
Size2 cm
DietInsectivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank41 L
Recommended group—

Chili Rasbora

Boraras brigittae

Lifespan estimate
4 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan)
Chinese Bitterling

Chinese Bitterling

Rhodeus ocellatus

Temp18–24°C
pH7–7.5
Size9.2 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank80 L
Recommended group—

Provide a cool winter rest, planted cover and good oxygenation.

Chinese Bitterling

Rhodeus ocellatus

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—

Provide a cool winter rest, planted cover and good oxygenation.

Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Clown rasbora

Clown rasbora

Rasbora kalochroma

Temp23–28°C
pH5–7.5
Size10 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank255 L
Recommended group—

Clown rasbora

Rasbora kalochroma

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Cobalt Blue Goby

Cobalt Blue Goby

Stiphodon semoni

Temp22–28°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size5 cm
DietHerbivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Cobalt Blue Goby

Stiphodon semoni

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Río Acandí, Chocó, Colombia
Colombian Tetra

Colombian Tetra

Hyphessobrycon columbianus

Temp20–28°C
pH5–7.5
Size6.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank81 L
Recommended group—

Colombian Tetra

Hyphessobrycon columbianus

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Common otocinclus

Common otocinclus

Otocinclus vittatus

Temp20–25°C
pH6–7.5
Size3.3 cm
DietHerbivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank60 L
Recommended group—

Use a mature tank with established biofilm; confirm actual feeding and supplement food.

Common otocinclus

Otocinclus vittatus

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—

Use a mature tank with established biofilm; confirm actual feeding and supplement food.

Compare
Shrimp-safe
Africa
Congo tetra

Congo tetra

Phenacogrammus interruptus

Temp23–28°C
pH6–7.5
Size8 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank120 L
Recommended group—

Congo tetra

Phenacogrammus interruptus

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo
Coolie loach

Coolie loach

Pangio semicincta

Temp21–26°C
pH5.5–6.5
Size10 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Coolie loach

Pangio semicincta

Lifespan estimate
8 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Daisy's Rice Fish

Daisy's Rice Fish

Oryzias woworae

Temp23–27°C
pH6–7.5
Size3 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank40 L
Recommended group—

Daisy's Rice Fish

Oryzias woworae

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Denison barb

Denison barb

Sahyadria denisonii

Temp15–25°C
pH6.5–7.8
Size11 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank240 L
Recommended group—

Denison barb

Sahyadria denisonii

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Oceania
Desert goby

Desert goby

Chlamydogobius eremius

Temp20–28°C
pH7–8.5
Size6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank40 L
Recommended group—

Desert goby

Chlamydogobius eremius

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Diamond tetra

Diamond tetra

Moenkhausia pittieri

Temp24–28°C
pH5.5–7
Size6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank70 L
Recommended group—

Diamond tetra

Moenkhausia pittieri

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Dwarf danio

Dwarf danio

Danio nigrofasciatus

Temp18–26°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size3.7 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Dwarf danio

Danio nigrofasciatus

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Dwarf rasbora

Dwarf rasbora

Boraras maculatus

Temp20–28°C
pH5–6.5
Size2.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank40 L
Recommended group—

Dwarf rasbora

Boraras maculatus

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Danio erythromicron

Temp20–24°C
pH7–8
Size2 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Keep a group of twenty or more with dense cover and a base of at least 60 × 30 cm.

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Danio erythromicron

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—

Keep a group of twenty or more with dense cover and a base of at least 60 × 30 cm.

Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Endlers guppy

Endlers guppy

Poecilia wingei

Temp24–30°C
pH7–8.5
Size4.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank41 L
Recommended group—

Endlers guppy

Poecilia wingei

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Oceania
Forktail rainbowfish

Forktail rainbowfish

Pseudomugil furcatus

Temp24–28°C
pH7–8
Size6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Forktail rainbowfish

Pseudomugil furcatus

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Galaxy rasbora

Galaxy rasbora

Danio margaritatus

Temp20–26°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size2.1 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank41 L
Recommended group—

Keep a group of twenty or more with dense cover and a base of at least 45 × 30 cm.

Galaxy rasbora

Danio margaritatus

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—

Keep a group of twenty or more with dense cover and a base of at least 45 × 30 cm.

Compare
Shrimp-safe
Southeastern United States
Ghost shrimp

Ghost shrimp

Palaemon paludosus

Temp18–28°C
pH6.5–8
Size4 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank40 L
Recommended group—

Ghost shrimp

Palaemon paludosus

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Lower Mekong basin (Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam) and southeastern Thailand
No image

Giant kuhli loach

Pangio myersi

Temp21–26°C
pH3.5–7
Size10 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Giant kuhli loach

Pangio myersi

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Colombia (Magdalena basin)
Giant Whiptail

Giant Whiptail

Sturisomatichthys aureus

Temp20–26°C
pH6.6–7.6
Size15 cm
DietHerbivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank200 L
Recommended group—

Provide clean water, sheltered resting places and water circulation.

Giant Whiptail

Sturisomatichthys aureus

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—

Provide clean water, sheltered resting places and water circulation.

Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Glass bloodfin

Glass bloodfin

Prionobrama filigera

Temp23–27°C
pH6–7.5
Size6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank80 L
Recommended group—

Glass bloodfin

Prionobrama filigera

Lifespan estimate
7 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Glowlight Danio

Glowlight Danio

Danio choprae

Temp16–26°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size3 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank72 L
Recommended group—

Glowlight Danio

Danio choprae

Lifespan estimate
4 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Glowlight tetra

Glowlight tetra

Hemigrammus erythrozonus

Temp24–28°C
pH5.5–7.5
Size4 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank70 L
Recommended group—

Glowlight tetra

Hemigrammus erythrozonus

Lifespan estimate
4 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Gold Ring Danio

Gold Ring Danio

Brachydanio tinwini

Temp18–26°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size3 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank41 L
Recommended group—

Gold Ring Danio

Brachydanio tinwini

Lifespan estimate
4 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Central America
Green swordtail

Green swordtail

Xiphophorus hellerii

Temp16–28°C
pH7–8
Size14 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank108 L
Recommended group—

Green swordtail

Xiphophorus hellerii

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Guppy

Guppy

Poecilia reticulata

Temp17–28°C
pH7–8
Size6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank40 L
Recommended group—

Guppy

Poecilia reticulata

Lifespan estimate
2 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Harlequin rasbora

Harlequin rasbora

Trigonostigma heteromorpha

Temp21–28°C
pH5–7.5
Size4.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Harlequin rasbora

Trigonostigma heteromorpha

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Head-and-taillight tetra

Head-and-taillight tetra

Hemigrammus ocellifer

Temp24–28°C
pH5.5–7.5
Size4.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank70 L
Recommended group—

Head-and-taillight tetra

Hemigrammus ocellifer

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Hillstream loach

Hillstream loach

Gastromyzon punctulatus

Temp23–25°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size6.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank60 L
Recommended group—

Hillstream loach

Gastromyzon punctulatus

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Oceania
Honey blue eye

Honey blue eye

Pseudomugil mellis

Temp24–28°C
pH6–7.5
Size3.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank40 L
Recommended group—

Provide dense cover, stable warm water and room for fish to retreat from displaying males.

Honey blue eye

Pseudomugil mellis

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—

Provide dense cover, stable warm water and room for fish to retreat from displaying males.

Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Japanese rice fish

Japanese rice fish

Oryzias latipes

Temp16–22°C
pH6.5–8.5
Size3.6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank41 L
Recommended group—

Japanese rice fish

Oryzias latipes

Lifespan estimate
4 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Javanese ricefish

Javanese ricefish

Oryzias javanicus

Temp24–29°C
pH7–9
Size3.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank40 L
Recommended group—

Javanese ricefish

Oryzias javanicus

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Least rasbora

Least rasbora

Boraras urophthalmoides

Temp24–28°C
pH6–7
Size2 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank20 L
Recommended group—

Least rasbora

Boraras urophthalmoides

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Lemon tetra

Lemon tetra

Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis

Temp20–28°C
pH5–7.5
Size4 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank72 L
Recommended group—

Lemon tetra

Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Leopard corydoras

Leopard corydoras

Corydoras julii

Temp20–26°C
pH6–8
Size5.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank81 L
Recommended group—

Leopard corydoras

Corydoras julii

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Lizard Loach

Lizard Loach

Homaloptera orthogoniata

Temp20–25.5°C
pH6–7.5
Size9.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank108 L
Recommended group—

Lizard Loach

Homaloptera orthogoniata

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Madagascar
Madagascar Rainbow

Madagascar Rainbow

Bedotia madagascarensis

Temp23–32°C
pH4.5–7.5
Size10 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank108 L
Recommended group—

Madagascar Rainbow

Bedotia madagascarensis

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Western Ghats of southern India (Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu)
Melon Barb

Melon Barb

Haludaria fasciata

Temp22–26°C
pH6–6.5
Size6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank—
Recommended group—

Melon Barb

Haludaria fasciata

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Nannoptopoma

Nannoptopoma

Nannoptopoma sternoptychum

Temp—
pH—
Size3.3 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank—
Recommended group—

Nannoptopoma

Nannoptopoma sternoptychum

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Neon Blue Rasbora

Neon Blue Rasbora

Sundadanio axelrodi

Temp23–26°C
pH4–6.5
Size2.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyHard
Adult tank30 L
Recommended group—

Neon Blue Rasbora

Sundadanio axelrodi

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Neon tetra

Neon tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

Temp21–25°C
pH4–7.5
Size3 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Neon tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Orange Fin Danio

Orange Fin Danio

Danio kyathit

Temp16–26°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size4.5 cm
DietCarnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank80 L
Recommended group—

Orange Fin Danio

Danio kyathit

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Ornate tetra

Ornate tetra

Hyphessobrycon bentosi

Temp20–28°C
pH5–7.5
Size4.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank80 L
Recommended group—

Ornate tetra

Hyphessobrycon bentosi

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Oxyropsis

Oxyropsis

Oxyropsis carinata

Temp26–29°C
pH6–7.5
Size7.6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank60 L
Recommended group—

Oxyropsis

Oxyropsis carinata

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Palespotted corydoras

Palespotted corydoras

Hoplisoma gossei

Temp24–28°C
pH5.5–7.5
Size5.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank81 L
Recommended group—

Keep a group with clean substrate and a base of at least 90 × 30 cm.

Palespotted corydoras

Hoplisoma gossei

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—

Keep a group with clean substrate and a base of at least 90 × 30 cm.

Compare
Shrimp-safe
Upper Amazon, Peru
Panda corydoras

Panda corydoras

Corydoras panda

Temp22–25°C
pH6–7.4
Size5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank41 L
Recommended group—

Panda corydoras

Corydoras panda

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Panda Garra

Panda Garra

Garra flavatra

Temp22–27°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size9 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank81 L
Recommended group—

Panda Garra

Garra flavatra

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Panda Loach

Panda Loach

Yaoshania pachychilus

Temp20–24°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Panda Loach

Yaoshania pachychilus

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Palau, Micronesia; possibly the Mariana Islands and Pohnpei
Pelew Stiphodon

Pelew Stiphodon

Stiphodon pelewensis

Temp22–28°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size4.1 cm
DietHerbivore
Swim—
DifficultyHard
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Pelew Stiphodon

Stiphodon pelewensis

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Peppered corydoras

Peppered corydoras

Hoplisoma paleatum

Temp22–26°C
pH6–7
Size7 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank80 L
Recommended group—

Keep a group with clean sand or smooth gravel and a base of at least 61 × 38 cm.

Peppered corydoras

Hoplisoma paleatum

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—

Keep a group with clean sand or smooth gravel and a base of at least 61 × 38 cm.

Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Pond loach

Pond loach

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Temp18–23°C
pH6.5–8
Size28 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank240 L
Recommended group—

Pond loach

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Lifespan estimate
10 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Pygmy corydoras

Pygmy corydoras

Corydoras pygmaeus

Temp22–26°C
pH6.4–7.4
Size3 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank42.5 L
Recommended group—

Pygmy corydoras

Corydoras pygmaeus

Lifespan estimate
4 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Red Cherry Rasbora

Red Cherry Rasbora

Rasbora lacrimula

Temp22.2–25.6°C
pH4–7.5
Size3.1 cm
DietInsectivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank41 L
Recommended group—

Red Cherry Rasbora

Rasbora lacrimula

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Red Neon Goby

Red Neon Goby

Stiphodon atropurpureus

Temp22–26°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size5 cm
DietHerbivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Red Neon Goby

Stiphodon atropurpureus

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Red phantom tetra

Red phantom tetra

Hyphessobrycon sweglesi

Temp20–28°C
pH4.5–7.5
Size3.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank72 L
Recommended group—

Red phantom tetra

Hyphessobrycon sweglesi

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Reticulated hillstream loach

Reticulated hillstream loach

Sewellia lineolata

Temp18–24°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size5.7 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank60 L
Recommended group—

Reticulated hillstream loach

Sewellia lineolata

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Reticulated Sae

Reticulated Sae

Crossocheilus reticulatus

Temp16–24°C
pH6–7.5
Size17 cm
DietHerbivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank365 L
Recommended group—

Reticulated Sae

Crossocheilus reticulatus

Lifespan estimate
10 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
East Asia (China, Japan, Korea)
Rose bitterling

Rose bitterling

Rhodeus ocellatus

Temp18–24°C
pH7–7.5
Size9.2 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank80 L
Recommended group—

Provide a cool winter rest, planted cover and good oxygenation.

Rose bitterling

Rhodeus ocellatus

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—

Provide a cool winter rest, planted cover and good oxygenation.

Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Rosy barb

Rosy barb

Pethia conchonius

Temp16–24°C
pH6–8
Size10 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank90 L
Recommended group—

Rosy barb

Pethia conchonius

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Rosy tetra

Rosy tetra

Hyphessobrycon rosaceus

Temp23.9–27.8°C
pH5.5–7.5
Size4 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank70 L
Recommended group—

Rosy tetra

Hyphessobrycon rosaceus

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Rummy-nose tetra

Rummy-nose tetra

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Temp24–27°C
pH5.5–7
Size5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank80 L
Recommended group—

Rummy-nose tetra

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Myanmar (Lake Inlé)
Sawbwa barb

Sawbwa barb

Sawbwa resplendens

Temp18–22°C
pH6–8
Size3.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Sawbwa barb

Sawbwa resplendens

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Siamese flying fox

Siamese flying fox

Crossocheilus oblongus

Temp23–27°C
pH6–7.5
Size16 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank200 L
Recommended group—

Siamese flying fox

Crossocheilus oblongus

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Slender Bitterling

Slender Bitterling

Tanakia himantegus

Temp15–28°C
pH6.5–7.8
Size8 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank80 L
Recommended group—

Slender Bitterling

Tanakia himantegus

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Central America
Southern platyfish

Southern platyfish

Xiphophorus maculatus

Temp20–26°C
pH7–8.2
Size5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Southern platyfish

Xiphophorus maculatus

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Oceania
Spotted blue-eye

Spotted blue-eye

Pseudomugil gertrudae

Temp21–28°C
pH4.5–7.5
Size3.8 cm
DietPlanktivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank40 L
Recommended group—

Spotted blue-eye

Pseudomugil gertrudae

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Sterba's cory

Sterba's cory

Corydoras sterbai

Temp24–28°C
pH6–7.6
Size6.5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank80 L
Recommended group—

Sterba's cory

Corydoras sterbai

Lifespan estimate
4 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Southern Thailand (Tapi river drainage)
Strawberry Rasbora

Strawberry Rasbora

Boraras naevus

Temp20–28°C
pH5–7
Size2 cm
DietInsectivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank41 L
Recommended group—

Strawberry Rasbora

Boraras naevus

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Striped panchax

Striped panchax

Aplocheilus lineatus

Temp22–25°C
pH6–7.5
Size10 cm
DietCarnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank100 L
Recommended group—

Striped panchax

Aplocheilus lineatus

Lifespan estimate
4 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Leyte, Philippines; also Okinawa and Yakushima, Japan
Surrufus Stiphodon

Surrufus Stiphodon

Stiphodon surrufus

Temp22–28°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size2.1 cm
DietHerbivore
Swim—
DifficultyHard
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Surrufus Stiphodon

Stiphodon surrufus

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Oceania
Threadfin rainbowfish

Threadfin rainbowfish

Iriatherina werneri

Temp22–30°C
pH5–8
Size4 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank54 L
Recommended group—

Threadfin rainbowfish

Iriatherina werneri

Lifespan estimate
3 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Three-lined rasbora

Three-lined rasbora

Rasbora trilineata

Temp22–25°C
pH5–8
Size15 cm
DietInsectivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank243 L
Recommended group—

Three-lined rasbora

Rasbora trilineata

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Twig Catfish

Twig Catfish

Farlowella vittata

Temp24–27°C
pH6–7
Size15 cm
DietHerbivore
Swim—
DifficultyHard
Adult tank81 L
Recommended group—

Twig Catfish

Farlowella vittata

Lifespan estimate
15 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Twosaddle corydoras

Twosaddle corydoras

Hoplisoma weitzmani

Temp22–26°C
pH6–7.2
Size6 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank60 L
Recommended group—

Keep a group in a mature aquarium with clean sand or smooth, rounded gravel.

Twosaddle corydoras

Hoplisoma weitzmani

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—

Keep a group in a mature aquarium with clean sand or smooth, rounded gravel.

Compare
Shrimp-safe
West Africa (Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria)
Vampire Shrimp

Vampire Shrimp

Atya gabonensis

Temp24–28°C
pH6.5–7.5
Size15 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank100 L
Recommended group—

Vampire Shrimp

Atya gabonensis

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Whiptail catfish

Whiptail catfish

Farlowella acus

Temp24–27°C
pH6–7
Size15 cm
DietHerbivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank81 L
Recommended group—

Whiptail catfish

Farlowella acus

Lifespan estimate
8 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Whiptail Catfish

Whiptail Catfish

Loricaria simillima

Temp24–27°C
pH5.6–7.8
Size18 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank150 L
Recommended group—

Whiptail Catfish

Loricaria simillima

Lifespan estimate
10 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
White cloud mountain minnow

White cloud mountain minnow

Tanichthys albonubes

Temp14–22°C
pH6–8
Size4 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank30 L
Recommended group—

White cloud mountain minnow

Tanichthys albonubes

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
Asia
Zebra danio

Zebra danio

Danio rerio

Temp18–25°C
pH6–8
Size5 cm
DietOmnivore
Swim—
DifficultyEasy
Adult tank81 L
Recommended group—

Zebra danio

Danio rerio

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare
Shrimp-safe
East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique)
Zebra Nerite

Zebra Nerite

Vittina natalensis

Temp22–28°C
pH7–8.5
Size2.5 cm
DietHerbivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank20 L
Recommended group—

Provide algae-covered surfaces and stable water; protect snails from predatory tankmates.

Zebra Nerite

Vittina natalensis

Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—

Provide algae-covered surfaces and stable water; protect snails from predatory tankmates.

Compare
Shrimp-safe
South America
Zebra Oto

Zebra Oto

Otocinclus cocama

Temp21–25°C
pH6–7.5
Size4.5 cm
DietHerbivore
Swim—
DifficultyModerate
Adult tank40 L
Recommended group—

Zebra Oto

Otocinclus cocama

Lifespan estimate
5 yr
Schooling
Varies
Aggression
—
Compare

TDS & Species Matcher

Open full tool →

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is the most reliable single number for shrimp tank stability. Enter your numbers below to see which colonies fit.

General hardness (GH)
Carbonate hardness (KH)

Estimated TDS

266 ppm

Rough range: 214–339 ppm. Measure TDS to confirm.

Conductivity

532 µS/cm

Reverse estimate via 0.50 (NaCl) scale.

Shrimp TDS range comparison

Compares TDS only (NaCl scale). Check GH, KH, pH and temperature separately before choosing shrimp.

Neocaridina (Cherry, Blue Dream, Yellow)

Neocaridina davidi

In range
TDS
150–300
GH
6–12
KH
2–8

Hardy in moderately hard tap water. Avoid drops below 100 ppm TDS during water changes.

Caridina — Crystal Red / Black

Caridina cantonensis

Out of range
TDS
100–150
GH
4–6
KH
0–2

Requires RO + remineralizer (e.g. Salty Shrimp GH+). Low KH for stable acidic pH.

Caridina — Taiwan Bee / Pinto

Caridina cantonensis var.

Out of range
TDS
110–140
GH
4–6
KH
0–1

Demanding selectively-bred lines. Stability matters more than exact numbers.

Sulawesi (Cardinal, Harlequin)

Caridina dennerli / spp.

Out of range
TDS
120–180
GH
4–8
KH
4–8

Warm (27–30 °C), alkaline (pH 7.8–8.4). KH and pH must stay high — opposite of Caridina cantonensis.

Amano shrimp

Caridina multidentata

In range
TDS
150–400
GH
6–15
KH
2–10

Very tolerant. Algae-eating workhorse for planted tanks.

Ghost / Whisker shrimp

Palaemonetes paludosus

In range
TDS
150–400
GH
5–15
KH
3–12

Hardy but can be nippy toward small fish or other shrimp.

Getting Started with Shrimp Keeping

Stability matters more than chasing exact numbers. Keep temperature, KH/GH, and pH changes gradual.

Dense planting and fine biofilm surfaces increase grazing area and reduce stress for shrimp colonies.

Choose tankmates by mouth size and temperament first, then validate parameter overlap.