Other Shrimp To Put With Cherry Shrimp – Your Ultimate Guide
So, you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant world of cherry shrimp! These little invertebrates are fantastic, bringing a splash of color and constant activity to any aquarium. But perhaps you’re wondering, “What’s next?” or “Can I add more variety to my shrimp tank?”
You’re not alone! Many aquarists, from beginners to seasoned hobbyists, reach a point where they want to expand their aquatic community beyond a single species. The idea of a diverse, bustling tank filled with different types of shrimp is incredibly appealing. But how do you ensure everyone gets along? What are the potential pitfalls?
Don’t worry—you’re in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about other shrimp to put with cherry shrimp. We’ll dive deep into compatibility, ideal tank setups, essential care tips, and even troubleshoot common problems. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge and confidence to create a stunning and harmonious multi-species shrimp aquarium!
Why Mix Shrimp? The Benefits of Other Shrimp to Put with Cherry Shrimp
Adding different types of shrimp to your tank isn’t just about aesthetics (though that’s a big part of it!). There are several fantastic benefits to creating a multi-species shrimp environment. It’s a wonderful way to enhance your tank’s ecosystem and your overall enjoyment of the hobby.
Adding Variety: More Than Just Red
Imagine a tank with the bright red of your cherry shrimp, contrasted with the clear elegance of Amano shrimp, or perhaps the subtle stripes of a different Neocaridina color morph. The visual appeal of a diverse shrimp tank is undeniable.
Each species brings its own unique color, pattern, and even subtle behavioral quirks, turning your aquarium into a dynamic, living display. This variety makes observing your tank an even more engaging experience.
Natural Behaviors and Tank Health
Different shrimp species often occupy slightly different niches in the aquarium. While all shrimp are excellent cleaners, some might prefer grazing on algae on plants, while others sift through substrate for detritus.
This natural division of labor can contribute to a cleaner, healthier tank environment. Plus, observing the various foraging and social behaviors of different species adds a fascinating layer to your hobby.
Compatibility is Key: How to Other Shrimp to Put with Cherry Shrimp Successfully
The golden rule of mixing any aquatic animals is compatibility. When it comes to other shrimp to put with cherry shrimp, we need to consider several factors to ensure a peaceful and thriving community. Getting this right is crucial for avoiding stress, aggression, and even loss of livestock.
Understanding Water Parameters for Shared Success
Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are incredibly hardy and adaptable, which is one reason they’re so popular. Most compatible shrimp species will share similar water parameter requirements, making your job much easier.
For your cherry shrimp, aim for these general parameters:
- Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
- pH: 6.5-8.0
- GH (General Hardness): 6-10 dGH
- KH (Carbonate Hardness): 2-8 dKH
- TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 150-300 ppm
The key is to find other shrimp that thrive in these same ranges. Wild swings in water parameters are a major stressor for all invertebrates, so consistency is paramount.
Temperament and Size: Avoiding Conflicts
This is perhaps the most critical factor. You want to choose shrimp that are:
- Peaceful: Avoid any species known for aggression or territorial behavior.
- Non-Predatory: Larger, predatory shrimp can and will eat smaller shrimp and shrimplets.
- Similar Size: While some size difference is okay (e.g., Amano shrimp are larger), you don’t want anything so big it could intimidate or accidentally injure your cherry shrimp.
Remember, even seemingly harmless differences can lead to competition for food or hiding spots, causing stress for the smaller or shyer inhabitants.
The Crossbreeding Conundrum
Here’s a crucial piece of knowledge for any aspiring shrimp breeder: different species of shrimp can sometimes crossbreed. This is particularly relevant within the Neocaridina genus, to which cherry shrimp belong.
If you mix different color morphs of Neocaridina davidi (like cherry shrimp, blue dream shrimp, yellow shrimp, etc.), they will interbreed. The offspring of such crosses often revert to a wild-type coloration, which is usually brownish and less vibrant than the parent strains.
If maintaining pure color lines is important to you, stick to a single Neocaridina color morph. If you’re just looking for a lively, colorful tank and don’t mind the possibility of “mutts,” then mixing Neocaridina colors is perfectly fine! Just be aware of the outcome.
Fortunately, Neocaridina shrimp generally won’t crossbreed with Caridina shrimp (like Amano shrimp). This genetic barrier allows for safe mixing between these two genera without worrying about unwanted hybridization.
Top Picks: Best Other Shrimp to Put With Cherry Shrimp
Now for the exciting part! Let’s explore some of the best and most compatible shrimp species to introduce into your cherry shrimp tank. These options are generally peaceful, share similar water requirements, and will add fantastic diversity.
Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)
Amano shrimp are arguably the most popular choice for cohabiting with cherry shrimp, and for good reason! They are fantastic algae eaters and generally peaceful.
- Description: Larger than cherry shrimp (up to 2 inches), typically clear to brownish-grey with a distinctive dotted or dashed line pattern along their sides.
- Benefits: Legendary algae eaters, especially good at tackling tougher filamentous algae. They won’t crossbreed with cherry shrimp.
- Compatibility: Excellent. They are too large to pose a threat to adult cherry shrimp or even most shrimplets.
- Care Tips: Provide plenty of hiding spots as they can be a bit shy, especially after molting. Ensure a well-established tank.
Pro Tip: Amano shrimp larvae require brackish water to survive, so you won’t have to worry about accidental overpopulation in your freshwater tank!
Other Neocaridina Color Morphs (e.g., Blue Dream, Yellow, Sunkist, Green Jade)
If you’re okay with the potential for crossbreeding and “wild type” offspring, then mixing different colors of Neocaridina davidi is the easiest way to add diversity.
- Description: These are all the same species as cherry shrimp, just different color variations. They come in stunning blues, yellows, oranges, greens, and even black.
- Benefits: 100% compatible in terms of water parameters, temperament, and diet. They offer incredible visual variety.
- Compatibility: Perfect. They are essentially cousins, sharing the same needs and behaviors.
- Care Tips: Maintain consistent water parameters as you would for your cherry shrimp. Provide plenty of plants and biofilm for grazing.
Just remember the crossbreeding potential! If you want to maintain distinct color lines, it’s best to keep these in separate tanks.
Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus)
Ghost shrimp are often sold as feeder shrimp or cheap tank cleaners. They can be good companions, but there’s a significant caveat!
- Description: Mostly transparent, with a slight orange band on their antennae and sometimes iridescent spots. They grow up to 1.5-2 inches.
- Benefits: Excellent scavengers, good at cleaning up uneaten food.
- Compatibility: Generally peaceful, but you must be careful. Some species sold as “ghost shrimp” are actually Malaysian Prawns (Macrobrachium species), which are predatory and will eat your cherry shrimp!
- Care Tips: Always buy from a reputable source and inspect them carefully. Look for long, thin claws (like a tiny praying mantis) on predatory species versus the small, delicate claws of true ghost shrimp. Ensure ample food and space to reduce any potential for aggression.
Important Note: If you see any aggression or your cherry shrimp disappear, immediately remove the ghost shrimp in question. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Snails (Optional but Excellent Tank Mates)
While not shrimp, various snail species make fantastic, peaceful, and beneficial tank mates for cherry shrimp. They are excellent cleaners and won’t bother your shrimp at all.
- Nerite Snails: Superb algae eaters, won’t reproduce in freshwater.
- Mystery Snails: Larger, active, and fun to watch.
- Ramshorn Snails: Great scavengers, but can reproduce quickly if overfed.
- Malaysian Trumpet Snails (MTS): Fantastic for aerating substrate, but also prolific breeders.
Adding snails can further enhance the cleanup crew and add another layer of interest to your tank.
Creating the Perfect Home: Other Shrimp to Put with Cherry Shrimp Tank Setup
A well-planned tank setup is the foundation for a thriving mixed-shrimp colony. Providing the right environment will reduce stress, encourage natural behaviors, and keep everyone happy and healthy.
Tank Size Matters
While cherry shrimp can live in smaller tanks, when you’re introducing other shrimp to put with cherry shrimp, a slightly larger tank is always better.
- Minimum for a single cherry shrimp colony: 5 gallons.
- Recommended for a mixed shrimp tank: 10 gallons or larger.
More space means more room for grazing, more hiding spots, and greater water volume, which helps maintain stable parameters. A 10-gallon tank is a great starting point for beginners looking to mix species.
Substrate and Decor: Hiding Spots Galore
Shrimp love to graze on surfaces and need plenty of places to hide, especially after molting when they are most vulnerable.
- Substrate: A dark substrate like fluval stratum or even dark sand or gravel will make your shrimp’s colors pop and help them feel secure.
- Decor: Provide plenty of driftwood, rocks, and ceramic caves. These surfaces grow biofilm, which is a primary food source for shrimp.
- Botanicals: Indian almond leaves (catappa leaves), alder cones, and cholla wood not only offer hiding spots but also release beneficial tannins that have mild antibacterial and antifungal properties, mimicking their natural habitat.
The more “clutter” you have, the happier your shrimp will be!
Filtration and Water Flow
Shrimp are sensitive to strong currents and can be easily sucked into powerful filters. Gentle filtration is key.
- Sponge Filters: These are the gold standard for shrimp tanks. They provide excellent biological filtration, gentle water movement, and a large surface area for biofilm growth, which shrimp love to graze on.
- Hang-on-Back (HOB) Filters: If using an HOB, make sure to cover the intake with a pre-filter sponge to prevent shrimp (especially shrimplets) from being sucked in. Reduce flow if it’s too strong.
Ensure your filter is fully cycled before adding any shrimp!
Planting for Success: An Eco-Friendly Other Shrimp to Put with Cherry Shrimp Environment
A heavily planted tank is the ultimate shrimp paradise. Plants provide numerous benefits, making them an essential part of any shrimp setup.
- Food Source: Plants grow biofilm and trap detritus, offering continuous grazing opportunities.
- Shelter: Dense plant cover provides crucial hiding spots for shrimplets and molting adults.
- Water Quality: Live plants help absorb nitrates, contributing to stable and healthy water parameters.
- Oxygenation: Plants release oxygen, vital for aquatic life.
Great plant choices include:
- Java Moss
- Christmas Moss
- Hornwort
- Anubias (all varieties)
- Java Fern
- Guppy Grass
- Floating plants like Frogbit or Dwarf Water Lettuce (just don’t let them completely cover the surface).
These plants are easy to care for and perfect for creating a lush, natural environment for your mixed shrimp colony.
Essential Care: Other Shrimp to Put with Cherry Shrimp Best Practices
Keeping a mixed shrimp tank thriving involves consistent, thoughtful care. These best practices will help ensure the longevity and vitality of all your shrimp species.
Feeding Your Diverse Colony
While shrimp are excellent scavengers, a balanced diet is important, especially in a mixed tank. They will graze on algae, biofilm, and detritus, but supplemental feeding is usually necessary.
- Shrimp-Specific Foods: Offer high-quality shrimp pellets or flakes that sink. Look for ingredients like spirulina, kelp, and other plant-based materials.
- Variety is Key: Supplement with blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, broccoli florets) and occasional protein sources like bloodworms or brine shrimp (sparingly).
- Avoid Overfeeding: Feed small amounts, only what they can consume in a few hours. Uneaten food will rot and foul your water, which is extremely dangerous for shrimp.
Watch your shrimp’s behavior during feeding. If some species are more aggressive eaters, ensure shyer ones still get enough food by spreading it out or offering multiple feeding spots.
Water Change Wisdom
Regular, small water changes are far better than infrequent, large ones for shrimp. They are very sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters.
- Frequency: 10-20% water change once a week or every two weeks is a good baseline.
- Temperature Matching: Always ensure the new water is the same temperature as the tank water.
- Drip Acclimation: If you’re topping off or adding new water, it’s best to drip acclimate it slowly, especially if your tap water parameters differ significantly from your tank.
- Conditioning: Always use a good water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramines from tap water. Some conditioners also neutralize heavy metals, which are toxic to shrimp.
Expert Tip: Keep a dedicated bucket and siphon for your shrimp tank to avoid cross-contamination with chemicals or medications from other tanks.
Acclimation Protocols: The Gentle Approach
When introducing any new shrimp (or other aquatic life) to your tank, proper acclimation is paramount. Shrimp are particularly sensitive to changes in water parameters.
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Drip Acclimation: This is the safest method.
- Float the bag containing the new shrimp in your tank for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperature.
- Pour the shrimp and their water into a clean container (a small bucket or plastic tub).
- Using airline tubing, create a siphon from your tank into the container. Tie a knot in the tubing or use an airline valve to control the drip rate to about 1-2 drips per second.
- Allow the tank water to slowly drip into the container until the volume has quadrupled (this can take 1-3 hours).
- Carefully net the shrimp and place them into your tank. Discard the old water; do not add it to your tank.
This slow process minimizes shock and greatly increases the chances of successful introduction for your other shrimp to put with cherry shrimp.
Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Other Shrimp to Put with Cherry Shrimp
Even with the best intentions, problems can arise. Knowing how to identify and address common issues will help you maintain a healthy and happy mixed shrimp tank.
Aggression or Competition
If you notice one shrimp species harassing another, or if certain shrimp are consistently being outcompeted for food, it’s time to investigate.
- Identify the Culprit: Is it a specific individual or an entire species? (e.g., a misidentified predatory ghost shrimp).
- Increase Hiding Spots: More plants, decor, and botanicals can help reduce territorial disputes and provide refuge.
- Adjust Feeding: Spread food out more widely or use multiple feeding dishes to ensure everyone gets a share.
- Separate if Necessary: If aggression persists and is causing harm, you may need to rehome the aggressive shrimp or set up a separate tank.
Water Parameter Swings
Sudden changes in temperature, pH, or hardness can be fatal to shrimp, often leading to failed molts or lethargy.
- Regular Testing: Use a reliable liquid test kit to monitor your water parameters weekly. Pay close attention to GH, KH, pH, and ammonia/nitrite/nitrate.
- Consistent Maintenance: Stick to your water change schedule. Avoid large, infrequent changes.
- Check Equipment: Ensure your heater is working correctly and maintaining a stable temperature.
- RO/DI Water: If your tap water is highly inconsistent or unsuitable, consider using RO/DI (Reverse Osmosis/Deionized) water remineralized with products like SaltyShrimp GH/KH+ for complete control. This is an advanced technique but offers ultimate stability.
Disease Prevention and Treatment
Shrimp are generally hardy, but poor water quality or stress can lead to illness. Prevention is always better than cure.
- Quarantine New Arrivals: Always quarantine new shrimp in a separate tank for 2-4 weeks before introducing them to your main tank. This helps prevent the spread of diseases.
- Observe Regularly: Look for signs of illness like lethargy, unusual spots, fuzzy growths (fungus), or difficulty molting.
- Avoid Medications: Many common fish medications contain copper or other chemicals that are highly toxic to invertebrates. If you suspect disease, research shrimp-safe treatments or try natural remedies like Indian almond leaves.
Disappearing Shrimplets
It’s common for some shrimplets to disappear, but if you’re rarely seeing any survive, there might be an issue.
- Predation: Even “peaceful” fish can sometimes snack on tiny shrimplets. Ensure you only have truly shrimp-safe tank mates.
- Lack of Hiding Spots: Heavily planted tanks with plenty of moss and dense foliage offer the best protection for baby shrimp.
- Water Quality: Poor water parameters or lack of biofilm can lead to shrimplet mortality. Ensure your tank is mature and stable.
- Insufficient Food: Make sure there’s enough food for shrimplets to graze on, especially biofilm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mixing Shrimp Species
Here are some common questions aquarists have when considering other shrimp to put with cherry shrimp:
Can I put different colors of Neocaridina shrimp together?
Yes, you absolutely can! Different color morphs of Neocaridina davidi (like cherry, blue dream, yellow, green jade shrimp) are the same species. They will interbreed, and their offspring are likely to revert to a “wild type” brownish coloration over generations. If you don’t mind this, go for it! If you want to maintain pure color lines, keep them separate.
Will Amano shrimp eat cherry shrimp babies?
Generally, no. Amano shrimp are filter feeders and scavengers. While they are larger than cherry shrimp, their mouthparts are designed for grazing on algae and detritus, not for actively hunting and eating live shrimplets. They are considered very safe tank mates for cherry shrimp, even the smallest babies.
What’s the best tank size for a mixed shrimp tank?
While cherry shrimp can live in a 5-gallon tank, a 10-gallon or larger aquarium is highly recommended for a mixed shrimp tank. More space provides better water stability, more room for grazing, and more hiding spots, which reduces stress and potential competition between different species.
How do I know if my shrimp are happy?
Happy shrimp are active! They will be constantly grazing on surfaces, foraging through plants, and exhibiting natural behaviors. You’ll see them molting regularly (leaving behind their old exoskeletons) and, if you have males and females, you’ll see females “berried” (carrying eggs). Clear, bright coloration is also a good sign of health and happiness.
Are there any shrimp I should absolutely not put with cherry shrimp?
Yes, definitely! Avoid any large, predatory shrimp species. This includes most types of “flower shrimp” or “bamboo shrimp” (which are filter feeders and won’t harm cherries but have different dietary needs) and definitely any species identified as “African Filter Shrimp” or any large fan shrimp. Also, be wary of misidentified “ghost shrimp” (true Palaemonetes paludosus are fine, but some predatory Macrobrachium species are often sold as ghost shrimp).
Conclusion
Adding other shrimp to put with cherry shrimp can transform your aquarium into a dynamic, visually stunning, and incredibly rewarding display. By understanding compatibility, planning your tank setup carefully, and following best practices for care, you can create a harmonious community where all your shrimp thrive.
Remember, the key is always research and observation. Take your time, introduce new inhabitants slowly, and watch your shrimp closely. With a little patience and the right knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a vibrant, bustling mixed-shrimp tank.
You’ve got this! Dive in and enjoy the incredible world of aquatic invertebrates. Your cherry shrimp (and their new friends) will thank you for it!
