Introduction

Neocaridina shrimp, such as the popular Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), are colorful, active, and easy to care for. These freshwater shrimp thrive in well-maintained tanks and make an excellent addition to nano aquariums. However, choosing the right tank mates is crucial, as many fish see shrimp as food rather than friends.

Fact: Neocaridina shrimp thrive best in species-only tanks, but they can live with carefully selected fish, snails, and other invertebrates.

This guide will help you find the best tank mates for Neocaridina shrimp, ensuring a peaceful, thriving aquarium where your shrimp can live, breed, and feel safe.

What Makes a Good Tank Mate for Neocaridina Shrimp?

• Small & Peaceful: Avoid aggressive or large fish that may eat shrimp.
• Slow-Moving or Bottom Dwellers: Active fish might stress shrimp or outcompete them for food.
• Omnivores or Herbivores: Carnivorous fish are more likely to hunt shrimp.
• Stable Water Parameters: Ideal tank mates should thrive in a pH range of 6.5–7.5, temperature 70–78°F (21–25°C), and soft to moderately hard water.

Best Tank Mates for Neocaridina Shrimp

1. Small, Peaceful Fish

Certain nano fish can cohabitate with Neocaridina shrimp without posing a threat. Here are some of the best options:

a) Chili Rasboras (Boraras brigittae)

• Tiny, peaceful, and shy—won’t harass shrimp
• Prefer planted tanks with soft lighting
• Small mouths make them unable to eat adult shrimp

b) Ember Tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae)

• Bright orange schooling fish that add vibrancy to shrimp tanks
• Non-aggressive and stay small (max 1 inch)
• Prefer a well-planted environment with hiding spots

c) Celestial Pearl Danios (Danio margaritatus)

• Stunning, colorful fish with a calm temperament
• Generally too small to eat adult shrimp
• Enjoy the same water parameters as Neocaridina shrimp

d) Endler’s Livebearers (Poecilia wingei)

• Small, active, and peaceful fish that coexist well with shrimp
• Can be kept in groups for a lively tank
• May eat baby shrimp, so provide dense plant cover

Tip: Even with peaceful fish, always provide moss, driftwood, and plants like Java Moss and Anubias to give shrimp plenty of hiding spaces.

2. Other Invertebrates

Adding other invertebrates is one of the best ways to ensure shrimp safety while keeping the tank diverse.

a) Mystery Snails (Pomacea bridgesii)

• Peaceful, algae-eating snails that won’t harm shrimp
• Help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food
• Come in various colors, adding beauty to the tank

b) Nerite Snails (Neritina spp.)

• Excellent algae eaters that don’t breed in freshwater
• Completely shrimp-safe and won’t bother them
• Require a stable pH to maintain shell health

c) Thai Micro Crabs (Limnopilos naiyanetri)

• Tiny, fully aquatic crabs that are completely shrimp-safe
• Live among plants and feed on biofilm, just like shrimp
• Require stable water parameters to thrive

3. Bottom-Dwelling Fish

Bottom-dwelling fish can make great tank mates for Neocaridina shrimp, as long as they aren’t too large or aggressive.

a) Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus spp.)

• One of the best shrimp-safe algae eaters
• Stay small (1.5–2 inches) and never attack shrimp
• Prefer well-established tanks with plenty of algae and biofilm

b) Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus)

• Tiny, schooling catfish that stay under 1 inch
• Peaceful and spend most of their time foraging the substrate
• Enjoy soft, stable water similar to shrimp

Tank Mates to Avoid

• Betta Fish (Betta splendens) – Even the most "peaceful" Bettas may eat shrimp.
• Goldfish (Carassius auratus) – Messy eaters that will consume shrimp.
• Cichlids (Various Species) – Aggressive and territorial.
• Crayfish (Procambarus spp.) – Predatory and will actively hunt shrimp.

Fact: Even “peaceful” fish may eat baby shrimp, so heavily planted tanks with moss and caves are essential for shrimp survival.

FAQs

What are the best fish to keep with Neocaridina shrimp?

The best fish to keep with Neocaridina shrimp are Chili Rasboras, Ember Tetras, Celestial Pearl Danios, and Pygmy Corydoras, as they are small, peaceful, and unlikely to harm shrimp.

Can Neocaridina shrimp live with snails?

Yes, Neocaridina shrimp can live with Mystery Snails, Nerite Snails, and Malaysian Trumpet Snails, as these snails are completely shrimp-safe and help maintain tank cleanliness.

Will Neocaridina shrimp breed with tank mates present?

Neocaridina shrimp will breed with compatible tank mates, but baby shrimp may be eaten by fish. Providing dense plant cover like Java Moss increases survival rates.

What should I avoid keeping with Neocaridina shrimp?

Avoid aggressive fish like Betta fish, Goldfish, Cichlids, and Crayfish, as they may attack or eat shrimp.

Conclusion – Find High-Quality Neocaridina Shrimp at Tropicflow Store

When choosing tank mates for Neocaridina shrimp, small, peaceful fish like Chili Rasboras, Pygmy Corydoras, and Otocinclus Catfish make excellent companions. Invertebrates like Mystery Snails and Thai Micro Crabs also add diversity without posing a threat. Avoid predatory or aggressive fish that could stress or eat your shrimp.

For those looking to start or expand their Neocaridina shrimp colony, Tropicflow Store offers a wide collection of high-grade Neocaridina shrimp, including vibrant Cherry Shrimp, Blue Dream Shrimp, and Yellow Golden Back Shrimp. Every shrimp is carefully selected and acclimated for optimal health and breeding success.