Hey fellow aquarium lovers! I’ve kept ghost shrimp for years, and one of the most common questions I get is about finding the perfect tank mates for these peaceful little cleaners. Today I’ll share my experience and research on the best fish that can live harmoniously with ghost shrimp.
Quick Answer
Ghost shrimp can live peacefully with many small, non-aggressive fish species. The best tank mates include:
- Tetras (Neon, Cardinal, Ember)
- Small Rasboras
- Peaceful Catfish
- Other Shrimp Species
- Small Peaceful Snails
Why Choose the Right Tank Mates Matters?
Look, I’ve learned this the hard way – not all fish play nice with ghost shrimp! These transparent little guys are peaceful and can become quick snacks for larger or aggressive fish. Here’s why picking the right tank mates is super important:
- Prevents predation
- Reduces stress
- Creates a balanced ecosystem
- Ensures proper feeding for all inhabitants
- Makes tank maintenance easier
Best Fish Tank Mates for Ghost Shrimp
1. Tetra Family
These guys are my absolute favorites! They’re colorful, peaceful, and won’t bother your ghost shrimp.
Popular Tetra Options:
-
Neon Tetras
- Size: 1.5 inches
- Temperature: 72-78°F
- Temperament: Super peaceful
-
Ember Tetras
- Size: 0.8 inches
- Temperature: 73-84°F
- Perfect for smaller tanks
-
Black Neon Tetras
- Size: 1.4 inches
- Temperature: 72-80°F
- Great schooling behavior
2. Rasbora Species
I’ve had great success with these little beauties!
Best Rasbora Choices:
-
Harlequin Rasbora
- Size: 2 inches
- Temperature: 72-81°F
- Active but gentle
-
Chili Rasbora
- Size: 0.8 inches
- Temperature: 74-82°F
- Adds beautiful red color
3. Peaceful Bottom Dwellers
| Fish Species | Size | Temperature | Compatibility Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corydoras Catfish | 1-2.5 inches | 72-78°F | 5/5 |
| Otocinclus | 1.5-2 inches | 72-79°F | 5/5 |
| Kuhli Loach | 3-4 inches | 75-85°F | 4/5 |
Tank Setup Tips
When keeping ghost shrimp with other fish, ya gotta make sure the setup is right! Here’s what I recommend:
Essential Requirements:
-
Tank Size
- Minimum 10 gallons
- Larger is always better
- 1 ghost shrimp per gallon rule
-
Hiding Spots
- Dense vegetation
- Small caves
- Driftwood
- Rock formations
-
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72-82°F
- pH: 6.5-8.0
- Clean, well-filtered water
Fish to Avoid
Listen up! These fish are definite no-nos with ghost shrimp:
❌ Large Cichlids
❌ Aggressive Barbs
❌ Goldfish
❌ Angel Fish
❌ Any fish large enough to eat the shrimp
Pro Tips from My Experience
- Always introduce ghost shrimp to the tank first
- Feed your fish well to reduce predatory behavior
- Provide plenty of plants for hiding spots
- Monitor new additions closely for the first week
- Keep water parameters stable
FAQ
Q: How many ghost shrimp can I keep together?
A: I usually recommend 1 shrimp per gallon of water. In a 10-gallon tank, you can safely keep 8-10 ghost shrimp.
Q: Will my betta fish eat ghost shrimp?
A: It depends on your betta’s personality. Some are chill, others… not so much. I’d suggest watching them closely if you try this combo.
Q: Do ghost shrimp need friends?
A: While they don’t absolutely need companions, they’re happier in groups of 3 or more.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a community tank with ghost shrimp isn’t rocket science, but it does need some thought. Remember to choose peaceful, similarly-sized fish and provide plenty of hiding spots. I’ve found that the best combinations come from matching fish that occupy different areas of the tank – bottom, middle, and top.
Have you tried keeping ghost shrimp with other fish? What combinations worked best for you? Drop a comment below and share your experience! And if you’re just starting out, don’t be afraid to experiment with the peaceful species we’ve discussed – just remember to monitor everyone’s behavior closely at first.
Remember, every tank is unique, and what works in my aquarium might need some tweaking in yours. The key is patience and observation!
Can ghost shrimp and Betta fish live together?
The short answer to this question is yes, ghost shrimp and Bettas can live together. However, pay attention, because things are a little more complicated in practice…
The long answer is that TRUE ghost shrimp and Betta fish can live together. However, not all shrimp sold as “ghost shrimp” in pet stores are actually true ghost shrimp. The term is a bit of a catch-all for transparent freshwater shrimp, not all of which are docile.
What youre after are freshwater species of the genus Palaemonetes. These are ACTUAL ghost shrimp, also called American glass shrimp or grass shrimp. What youre NOT after are species of the genus Macrobrachium, like Macrobrachium lanchesteri. These grow much too large and can attack your Betta fish.
True Palaemonetes ghost shrimp can co-exist peacefully with Betta fish. Your mileage may vary depending on your Bettas hunting instincts—some cant be kept with any tankmates, while others make great neighbors—but with the right measures, the combo could work well.
Do ghost shrimp make good “janitors”?
Yes. One of the reasons people keep ghost shrimp with Betta fish is that they can help maintain a healthy, tidy aquarium. Shrimp are detrivores, so your ghost will feed on things like leftover food, dead plant bits, algae, and micro-organisms. It might even pick at Betta poop!
Of course, you shouldnt rely on a shrimp to do your aquarium maintenance for you. Thats your job. Still, given their low bioload, a ghost shrimp can at least help you out.