Hey there! I’ve been keeping aquariums for years, and one question I get asked a lot is whether angelfish and shrimp can coexist peacefully. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about keeping these interesting creatures together.
The Short Answer
Yes, angelfish will typically try to eat shrimp, especially smaller ones. However, with proper tank setup and some clever strategies, it’s possible to keep them together successfully. I’ve seen it work in my own tanks and those of other aquarists.
Why Angelfish Hunt Shrimp
Angelfish are natural predators and in the wild, they’ll eat pretty much anything that fits in their mouth. Here’s what makes shrimp particularly attractive to them
- Movement: Shrimp’s quick, darting movements trigger the angelfish’s hunting instincts
- Size: Most aquarium shrimp are the perfect snack-size for adult angelfish
- Easy targets: Shrimp aren’t exactly built for speed or defense
Making It Work: My Proven Strategy
After lots of trial and error, I’ve found some effective ways to keep shrimp alive in an angelfish tank. Here’s what works
1. Dense Planting is Key
Your tank should be heavily planted – like jungle-style planted. We’re talking
- Ground cover (dwarf hairgrass works great)
- Mid-level plants (java moss, cabomba)
- Floating plants with long roots
- Aim to cover at least 90% of the substrate
2. Create Multiple Hiding Spots
- Add driftwood with lots of nooks
- Stack rocks to create caves
- Use clay pots covered in moss
- Dense plant roots, especially from floating plants
Here’s a trick that’s worked for many aquarists (including me):
- Put shrimp in a clear floating box in the tank
- Let the angelfish get used to seeing them for 24-48 hours
- Release the shrimp at night when lights are off
- Provide plenty of hiding spots near the release point
Best Shrimp Species to Try
Not all shrimp are created equal when it comes to surviving with angelfish. Here’s what I recommend:
Red Cherry Shrimp (RCS)
- Pros:
- Breed quickly
- Adaptable
- Good at hiding
- Cons:
- Smaller size makes them vulnerable
- Bright color makes them noticeable
Amano Shrimp
- Pros:
- Larger size
- Fast and agile
- Less attractive coloring
- Cons:
- More expensive
- Don’t breed in freshwater
Tank Setup Requirements
To make this work, your tank needs:
- Minimum 29 gallons (bigger is better)
- Heavy planting (remember the 90% rule!)
- Established biofilm for shrimp grazing
- Multiple layers of vegetation
- Good water parameters for both species
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Starting with expensive shrimp
- Begin with cheaper varieties until you know it works
-
Too few hiding places
- More cover = better survival rates
-
Wrong tank size
- Small tanks make it too easy for angelfish to hunt
Success Stories and Real Experiences
I’ve seen several successful setups where shrimp and angelfish coexist. One aquarist I know maintains a thriving colony of red cherry shrimp with a pair of angels in a heavily planted 75-gallon tank. The key? The tank looks like an underwater forest!
Other Tank Mates to Watch Out For
While we’re focusing on angelfish, be aware that other fish can be even more problematic:
- Mollies (surprisingly aggressive toward shrimp)
- Large tetras
- Cichlids
- Bettas
Monitoring and Maintenance Tips
To keep this setup working:
- Regular headcounts of visible shrimp
- Watch for baby shrimp (good sign!)
- Maintain plant growth
- Keep feeding spots for both species separate
Final Thoughts
Can angelfish and shrimp live together? Yes, but it needs careful planning and the right setup. I’ve seen it work many times, but you gotta be ready to put in the effort to create the right environment.
Remember, every tank is different, and what works in one might not work in another. Start slow, be patient, and don’t get discouraged if you need to make adjustments along the way.
Quick Setup Checklist
- Tank 29+ gallons
- Dense planting
- Multiple hiding spots
- Floating plants
- Ground cover
- Established biofilm
- Introduction strategy planned
- Backup plan if things don’t work out
Now you’re ready to try keeping these fascinating creatures together! Good luck, and don’t forget to share your experiences with other aquarists!
Would you like me to explain any part of this guide in more detail? I’m always happy to help fellow fish keepers succeed in their aquarium adventures!
Housing Recommendations for Angelfish
Angelfish grow to be quite large and will require an aquarium of 55 gallons or larger when full grown. Tall aquariums are best, to accommodate their body shape. Water flow should be gentle, and décor should include large broadleaf plants and driftwood that is arranged vertically to simulate downed branches and trees. A few floating plants can also be added to provide shaded areas and cover. Substrate should be fine to medium grade, smooth surfaced gravel, as angelfish like to forage along the bottom for food.
While angelfish are generally peaceful fish, they are cichlids and can be aggressive toward one another, especially when attempting to pair off and spawn. Also, they will not hesitate to eat smaller fish. This does not mean they are aggressive, as many aquarists believe; like most fish, they are opportunistic and will eat anything that fits into their mouth. Suitable tank mates include larger tetras and rasboras, gouramis, peaceful barbs, rainbowfish, corydoras and other medium-sized catfish. Angelfish can also be kept with discus in larger aquariums, if the temperature is maintained above 82° F.
An Angelfish’s Natural Habitat
Angelfish are native to a large area of tropical South America, including much of the Amazon River system. In their natural habitat, they are found almost exclusively in quiet, slow moving water. In the wild they prefer dimly lit areas, under overhanging vegetation or among trees that have fallen into the river.
Do Angelfish Eat Shrimp? – The Marine Life Explorer
FAQ
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 fish can you not put with angelfish?
Angelfish, while generally peaceful, can be problematic with certain tank mates due to their size, fin length, and territorial nature.
What fish will eat shrimp?
Many fish, especially those that are carnivorous or omnivorous, will eat shrimp. This includes a wide variety of species, from small fish like betta fish and dwarf puffers to larger fish like cichlids and even some tetras.
What food do angelfish like the most?
Angelfish are easy to feed and will take all sorts of fish foods, floating or sinking. Some favorites include krill flakes, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex worms, and Hikari Vibra Bites. If you want to fatten up the adults to condition them for breeding, frozen bloodworms are a must-have.