Which fish can be kept with aquarium shrimp?

Aquarium shrimp, particularly Caridina and Neocaridina, can perfectly well live in a community aquarium. However, not all fish species pose the same level of risk.

Otocinclus, Corydoras, Boraras, Guppies, Bettas... which fish can you really keep with shrimp? And which ones are likely to eat adult or baby shrimp?

In this guide, discover the fish most compatible with aquarium shrimp, the species to avoid, and the setups that help increase the survival chances of juveniles.

Which fish are compatible with shrimp?

Understanding shrimp needs before adding fish

Freshwater shrimp are peaceful animals that spend much of their time searching for food on the substrate, plants, roots, and various surfaces in the aquarium.

To limit risks and provide more shelter for juveniles, plan for:

• plenty of hiding spots;
• dense mosses and plants;
• a calm environment;
• clean water with stable parameters;
• areas that are difficult for fish to access;
• food adapted to adult and juvenile shrimp.

Aquatic mosses, roots, leaves, and small refuges are particularly useful for very young shrimp.

The fish most compatible with shrimp

1. Otocinclus

The Otocinclus is probably one of the best options for keeping with a shrimp population.

• Very peaceful
• Small size
• Mainly interested in biofilm and algae
• Usually ignores adult shrimp
• Very low risk for juveniles compared to the majority of fish

However, it must be kept in a mature aquarium adapted to its needs.

2. Dwarf Corydoras

Species such as Corydoras pygmaeus or Corydoras habrosus can be good tank mates.

• Peaceful fish
• Small size
• Social behavior
• Not very interested in adult shrimp

A tiny juvenile might, however, be caught opportunistically. Dense vegetation is therefore recommended.

3. Boraras brigittae

The Boraras brigittae, also known as the Mosquito Rasbora, is very popular in small planted aquariums.

• Adult size of about 2 cm
• Peaceful behavior
• Very small size
• Well-suited for heavily planted aquariums

Its small size greatly limits the risk to adult shrimp. A newly hatched shrimp, however, remains small enough to be eaten.

4. Microdevario kubotai and other small cyprinids

Certain small schooling fish can also live with a well-established shrimp colony.

The smaller the fish and the more mosses and refuges in the aquarium, the better the chances for juvenile survival.

5. Pencilfish – Nannostomus

Nannostomus mainly swim in the middle and upper zones of the aquarium.

• Relatively calm fish
• Small size depending on the species
• Interesting for a planted community aquarium

They should not, however, be considered completely harmless to baby shrimp.

6. Endlers – Poecilia wingei

Endlers are smaller than many classic Guppies and can live with a large Neocaridina colony.

• adults are generally not bothered;
• newborns may be eaten;
• very dense vegetation is highly recommended.

How to protect baby shrimp with fish

Juvenile shrimp are particularly vulnerable during their first few weeks.

To increase their survival chances:

• add Java moss and other aquatic mosses;
• keep very densely planted zones;
• add roots and small refuges;
• preserve areas rich in biofilm;
• avoid cleaning all tank surfaces simultaneously;
• offer food adapted to juveniles.

Which fish should you avoid with shrimp?

1. Classic Guppies

Guppies are not particularly aggressive, but they are curious and opportunistic.

• Adults can live with them.
• Baby shrimp may be eaten.
• The colony's reproduction can slow down significantly.

2. Betta splendens

Cohabitation between Betta and shrimp is totally unpredictable. Some individuals ignore shrimp while others actively hunt them.

• Significant risk to juveniles
• Possibility of attacks on adults
• Behavior varies depending on each Betta

3. Goldfish

Goldfish are unsuitable for traditional maintenance with small tropical shrimp. Their size and specific needs make them poor tank mates.

4. Barbs

Many Barbs are too active and opportunistic for a shrimp colony, especially when you want to protect juveniles.

5. Dwarf Cichlids

Apistogramma, Ramirezi, and other small cichlids have a true predatory instinct.

• Territorial behavior
• Hunting instinct
• Very high risk to juveniles
• Predation possible on adults depending on their size

6. Angelfish, Discus, and large fish

With large fish, a shrimp can quickly become prey.

Simple rule: if the shrimp can fit into the fish's mouth, consider there to be a risk.

7 tips for successful cohabitation of fish and shrimp

1. Choose peaceful nano-fish.
2. Introduce a well-established shrimp colony.
3. Plant the aquarium abundantly.
4. Add mosses, roots, and hideouts.
5. Avoid overstocking.
6. Feed the fish correctly without overfeeding.
7. Carefully monitor cohabitation after each introduction.

Feeding shrimp in a community aquarium

In an aquarium containing fish, the fish can reach food much faster than shrimp.

Some good practices:

• place some food directly near the shrimp;
• feed in several places;
• alternate different recipes;
• use a feeding dish;
• observe the shrimp's behavior during feeding.

Frequently asked questions about fish and shrimp

What is the safest fish with shrimp?

The Otocinclus is among the options presenting the least risk. Its behavior and diet make predation much less likely than with the majority of other fish.

Can you put Guppies with shrimp?

Yes with adult shrimp, but Guppies can eat baby shrimp. If reproduction is your priority, this cohabitation is not ideal.

Can a Betta live with shrimp?

It is possible, but impossible to guarantee. Some Bettas ignore shrimp and others actively hunt them.

Do Boraras eat baby shrimp?

The risk is low compared to many other fish, but it is not zero. A newly hatched shrimp remains extremely small.

How do you prevent fish from eating baby shrimp?

It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk. Dense vegetation, plenty of moss, roots, and hideouts, however, allow them to greatly increase their chances of hiding.

Is it mandatory to put fish with shrimp?

No. A species-only shrimp aquarium is often preferable to promote reproduction, select colors, and fully observe the behavior of Caridina or Neocaridina.

In summary: which fish to keep with shrimp?

• ✅ Otocinclus: one of the safest options.
• ✅ Boraras and small nano-fish: good cohabitation in a well-planted tank.
• ⚠️ Endlers and Guppies: adults generally calm, juveniles at risk.
• ⚠️ Betta: unpredictable behavior.
• ❌ Cichlids and large fish: significant risk of predation.
• 🌿 The more mosses and hideouts the aquarium contains, the higher the survival chances for juveniles.
• 🦐 For maximum reproduction, prioritize a species-only aquarium without fish.

Final word

It is entirely possible to create a beautiful community aquarium with fish and shrimp. The secret lies in choosing suitable species, providing enough hiding places, and accepting that with fish, there is no such thing as zero risk for baby shrimp.

If your priority is to develop a large colony of Caridina or Neocaridina, a species-only aquarium remains the safest solution.