Hey fish lovers! I’ve spent years keeping both bristlenose plecos and shrimp, and I get this question a lot. The short answer is: While bristlenose plecos can potentially eat small shrimp, they generally don’t actively hunt them. Let me break down everything you need to know about keeping these fascinating creatures together!
The Truth About Bristlenose Plecos and Shrimp
From my experience keeping these species together, here’s what you really need to know:
- Bristlenose plecos are primarily herbivores, focusing on algae and plant matter
- They’re generally peaceful and won’t actively hunt shrimp
- Most issues happen by accident during their nocturnal activities
- Adult shrimp are usually safe, but baby shrimp might be at risk
Tank Setup Requirements
To keep both species happy, you’ll need:
Tank Size
- Minimum 20-30 gallons for a successful community
- Larger is always better – I recommend 40 gallons for breeding
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 72-78°F |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Hardness | 6-10 dGH |
Essential Decorations
- Lots of driftwood (plecos love it!)
- Dense plant coverage (especially java moss)
- Multiple hiding spots
- Cave structures for plecos
- Fine substrate for shrimp foraging
Making It Work: My Top Tips
-
Choose the Right Shrimp Species
- Amano shrimp (they’re bigger and tougher)
- Adult cherry shrimp (but watch out for babies)
- Ghost shrimp (they’re quick and adaptable)
-
Feeding Strategy
- Feed your pleco well with algae wafers
- Provide blanched vegetables
- Ensure enough natural algae growth
- Feed at different spots in the tank
-
Creating Safe Spaces
- Dense plant clusters for shrimp
- Multiple caves for plecos
- Separate feeding areas
- Moss patches for shrimplets
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Nocturnal Disturbance
Solution Create separate territories with plants and decorations
Problem 2: Competition for Food
Solution: Feed in different areas and use various food types
Problem 3: Baby Shrimp Survival
Solution: Provide lots of moss and fine-leaved plants as hiding spots
Success Stories
In my breeding tanks, I’ve successfully kept bristlenose plecos with cherry shrimp. Starting with 30 shrimp, the population grew to over 200 in just a couple months! The key was providing plenty of hiding spots and maintaining good water quality.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Keep an eye out for
- Stressed shrimp hiding constantly
- Declining shrimp population
- Aggressive pleco behavior
- Territorial disputes
My Personal Tips for Success
- Start with adult shrimp
- Introduce plecos when young
- Monitor the first few weeks closely
- Have a backup plan (separate tank) ready
Final Thoughts
While bristlenose plecos can technically eat shrimp, it’s pretty rare if you set things up right. I’ve had great success keeping them together and you can too! Just remember to
- Provide plenty of space
- Create lots of hiding spots
- Feed appropriately
- Monitor the community
The biggest thing I’ve learned? It’s all about creating the right environment. Do that, and these amazing creatures will give you hours of entertainment living together peacefully!
Got any questions about keeping bristlenose plecos and shrimp together? Drop them in the comments below – I’d love to help out with your specific situation!
Remember, every tank is unique, so what works in one might need tweaking in another. Keep observing and adjusting until you find the perfect balance for your aquatic friends!
Breeding Neon Tetra, Ember Tetra and Red Cherry Shrimp in the same aquarium… What will happen?
The combination of fish species and creating a diverse ecosystem in the aquarium to decorate the house is very interesting and there is a diverse interaction between livestock in the aquarium.
The first combines between The Bristlenose Pleco and Red cherry shrimp.
The Bristlenose Pleco is a South American catfish that, despite coming from a less common family, is still a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts due to its unique appearance and ease of care.
Bristlenose pleco has a prominent lemon-yellow to brown marble pattern, with males having bushy appendages on the face. They are mostly nocturnal but they can be active during the day if your tank provides proper shelter.
They are omnivores and thrive on high-quality flakes, algae and pellets. Occasionally eating foods like fresh vegetables and eating less meat will benefit them.
✅Tank at least 113 liters.
✅Temperature: 22.0-26.0°C or 71.6-78.8°F
✅pH: 6.5 – 7.5
✅dKH: 6 – 10 dKH
How to Keep Shrimp and Bristlenose Plecos Together | Tank Setup, Feeding & Compatibility Tips
FAQ
Will Bristlenose pleco eat shrimp reddit?
I keep bristlenose pleccos with my neocaradina and amano shrimp. They never bother them and the shrimp don’t fear them either. Brave little critters.
What fish won’t eat shrimp in a tank?
The Otocinclus Catfish is the only fish we know of that is not likely to eat shrimp fry. While most fish will prey on dwarf shrimp fry, a heavily planted aquarium can be very helpful in offsetting this predation.
What food can bristlenose pleco eat?
Feeding: Like most plecos, they eat hard attached algae from the glass and ornaments. They also will eat sinking algae wafers or pleco foods, vegetable flakes, cucumbers, squash, green beans, peas, and other green vegetables.