Best Cherry Shrimp Tankmates

Also known as rainbow fish, guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are small and docile fish that are ideal for sharing an aquarium with cherry shrimp. They measure between 2 and 6 cm. Although they are active, they not aggressive. This reduces the risk of them attacking either shrimp or their young. They prefer to swim in the middle waters of the fish tank, leaving the shrimp alone to explore the bottom.

Ideally, you should have a minimum 40 liter aquarium if you want to keep guppies and cherry shrimp together. Both species are omnivorous, but it is important to provide a balanced diet to avoid competition for food. Guppies are particularly compatible with Neocaridina shrimp as they do not pose a threat to their fry. Both species reproduce readily, but shrimp may hide their fry among plants to avoid predation.

If you want to expand your aquarium even more, you might want to check out our guide to fish compatible with guppies.

Although corydoras (Corydora spp.) are also bottom dwellers, they do not compete directly with cherry shrimp for food. They are also small, measuring between 4-7 cm. They are known for their calm and sociable demeanor, providing little problem for the cherry shrimp.

Corydoras prefer aquariums with a soft substrate and a 60 liter tank is ideal. Plants should also be placed into the fish tank for the fish to swim around. Crydoras are safe for the cherry shrimp young, meaning you can breed shrimp in the same aquarium without problems. As a schooling fish, it is advisable to keep Corydoras in groups of at least 5/6 individuals so that they feel safe.

Cherry shrimp will never grow to be very big, but you can learn how crustaceans grow with our related guide.

White Cloud Mountain minnows (Tanichthys albonubes) are small and very peaceful fish, ideal thank mates for cherry shrimp. They pose no threat to neither adult nor fry shrimp. Their calm demeanor makes them perfect for community tanks, as they do not compete for space or food. They prefer tanks with room to swim and are best kept in groups of at least 6 individuals.

Different from guppies, rainbowfish are various species which make up the genus Melanotaenia. They are peaceful and do not usually bother shrimp, despite being larger. They measure between 6 and 12 cm. Although active, they are not aggressive towards others.

Rainbowfish need a large aquarium (at least 100 liters) with plenty of swimming space. Both species can share the same diet, but rainbowfish may eat baby cherry shrimp, so it is important to provide hiding places. Shrimp will need shelters to protect their young. In large, well-structured aquariums, rainbowfish are compatible with adult shrimp.

If you still haven't found the right tankmate for your cherry shrimp, you might want to consider fish from the genus Boraras. While individual species from this genus are known as rasboras, they are not the fish of the genus Rasbora. Boraras are tiny and peaceful, ideal for small shrimp tanks. They prefer well-planted tanks, best having a minimum size of 30 liters. Both species can share the same diet.

Also known as Endler's livebearer or Endler's guppy, Endlers (Poecilia wingei) are small and peaceful fish that have great compatibility with cherry cshrimp. They measure between 2 and 4 cm, making them less threatening to these crustaceans.

Active, but not aggressive, they prefer to swim in the middle and top part of the tank. This leaves room for shrimp to explore the bottom. An aquarium of at least 40 litres is ideal, with plants and hiding places for the shrimp. Both species are omnivorous, but it is important to provide a balanced diet to avoid competition for food.

Endlers are particularly compatible with cherry shrimps. Both species reproduce easily, but the shrimps may hide their young among plants to avoid prey.

See what fish make good tankmates for other common aquarium creatures with our article on which fish can live with goldfish.

Otocinclus catfish are various fish of the genus Otocinclus. They are sometimes known as miniature suckerfish, but all are peaceful bottom-dwelling fish that do not compete with shrimp. They prefer aquariums with soft substrate, with a 40 litre tank being ideal. Both species can share the same diet and these catfishb are safe for baby shrimp. Keep Otocinclus in groups of at least 3 individuals to make them feel safe.

Paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis) can be territorial, but in large, well-structured tanks they can be kept with cherry shrimp. They are around 10 cm long and quite active. They need a large tank (at least 100 liters) with plenty of hiding places. Both species can share the same diet, but paradise fish may eat baby shrimp. Therefore, if you choose these shrimp-friendly fish, provide plenty of plants and hiding places to protect the fry. In large tanks, paradise fish can be kept with adult shrimp without any problem.

Cherry shrimp are a type of freshwater shrimp, as are the cherry shrimp tankmates we have shared on this list. Take a look at fish compatible with another type of freshwater fish with our article on the best tank mates for angelfish.

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