The Ultimate Guide to Shrimp Tank Mates: Which Species are Compatible and Which to Avoid
When it comes to keeping aquatic animals with your shrimp, it is important to choose carefully. While some species can coexist peacefully, others may be harmful to your shrimp. In this guide, we will explore what tank mates to keep with your shrimp, dividing them into three categories:
- those that won’t form any harm to your shrimp
- those that might harm your shrimp(lets)
- those to actively avoid
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Most Compatible species With Your Shrimp
There are several species of aquatic animals that can coexist peacefully with shrimp. The amount of species that won’t form any threat to your shrimp is slim. But if you want to actively breed these shrimp you should stick with these options. Do keep in mind that these species can have an overlap in food preference so they might outcompete your shrimps.
- Snails
Snails are a popular addition to shrimp tanks as they can help clean up leftover food and algae. Some species, such as nerite snails, are particularly good choices as they won’t overpopulate. - Algae eating fish
Otocinclus catfish, Corydoras catfish are bottom-dwelling fish that can help keep the tank clean. They are generally peaceful and won’t harm adult shrimp. - Filter feeding shrimp
Bamboo and vampire shrimps have fan like appendages to capture free floating particles. They peacefully coexist with other shrimps but they do need a higher current that most ornamental shrimp are used to. - Other shrimp
Other types of the same shrimp are perfect to keep in your tank. Do be mindful that some may crossbreed. A skittle mix of Neocaridina will over generations turn into an all wild type colour.
Species that Might Harm Your Shrimp Slightly
Some aquatic animals may not pose a significant threat to adult shrimp, but could harm them slightly. The amount of hiding spaces poses an important factor with these species.
- Nano fish
Guppies, tetra’s, chili rasboras are a popular choice for community tanks and can coexist with adult shrimp without causing too much harm. However, they may occasionally catch and eat baby shrimp. Also watch out for fast and hungry nano fish that might outcompete your shrimp for food. - Amano shrimp
Amano shrimp are a popular species of shrimp that are often kept with other fish. While they generally coexist peacefully with adult shrimp, they may occasionally eat baby shrimp and attack sick shrimp.
Species to Actively Avoid
There are some species of aquatic animals that should be avoided when keeping shrimp. These include:
- Aggressive fish
Betta fish and pea puffers are amongst others known for their aggressive behaviour and should be avoided when keeping shrimp. They may attack and harm adult shrimp, as well as catch and eat baby shrimp. - Fish with a big mouth
Goldfish, cichlids, and another species should be avoided when keeping shrimp. They may eat both adult and baby shrimp and can quickly decimate a shrimp population. - Anything that likes eating small invertebrates
This one is pretty self explanatory, if shrimp are part of their natural diet then they will definitely eat your shrimp.
In conclusion, when choosing other aquatic animals to keep with your shrimp, it is important to choose carefully. While some species can coexist peacefully with shrimp, others may be harmful. By considering the species that won’t harm your shrimp, those that might harm your shrimp slightly, and those to actively avoid, you can ensure that your shrimp and other aquatic animals coexist peacefully in a healthy and thriving ecosystem.
