Listen up, fellow aquarium enthusiasts! I’ve been keeping fish for years, and one of the most common questions I get is whether cichlids and shrimp can live together peacefully Let me break down everything you need to know about this challenging combination.
The Short Answer
Yes, most cichlids will eat shrimp. Even the most peaceful cichlid species like Rams can’t resist snacking on these tasty crustaceans. However, there are some ways to make it work if you’re determined to keep both.
Why Do Cichlids Eat Shrimp?
- Natural Instincts: Cichlids are opportunistic feeders in the wild
- Size Difference: Most shrimp are small enough to fit in a cichlid’s mouth
- Movement: The way shrimp move triggers cichlids’ predatory instincts
- Easy Prey: Shrimp are relatively slow and make easy targets
Which Cichlids Are Most Likely to Eat Shrimp?
Here’s a breakdown of common cichlid species and their shrimp-eating tendencies:
| Cichlid Type | Likelihood of Eating Shrimp | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| German Blue Rams | High | Even these “peaceful” cichlids will hunt shrimp |
| Apistos | Very High | Known to actively hunt shrimp |
| Jack Dempseys | Extremely High | Will eat any shrimp they can catch |
| Blue Acaras | High | May ignore adult shrimp but will eat juveniles |
Can You Keep ANY Cichlids with Shrimp?
From my experience, and based on numerous aquarist reports there are a few strategies that might work
1. Dense Planting Method
- Use lots of live plants- Create multiple hiding spots- Add driftwood and rocks- Make sure there's thick cover at substrate level2. Population Management
- Start with a large shrimp colony (50+ shrimp)
- Let shrimp establish first (1-2 months head start)
- Add cichlids later when colony is strong
3. Size Matching
- Choose larger shrimp species (like Bamboo Shrimp)
- Wait until shrimp are fully grown before adding cichlids
- Pick smaller cichlid species
My Personal Experience
I gotta tell ya I tried keeping German Blue Rams with Cherry Shrimp in my 55-gallon planted tank. At first everything seemed fine – the rams ignored the adult shrimp. But then I noticed something my shrimp population wasn’t growing. Turns out, those “peaceful” little rams were snacking on all the baby shrimp!
Tips for Success (If You’re Gonna Try)
-
Tank Setup
- Minimum 55 gallons
- Heavily planted
- Multiple hiding spots
- Separate feeding zones
-
Species Selection
- Choose less aggressive cichlids
- Opt for larger shrimp species
- Consider bamboo shrimp (they’re bigger)
-
Feeding Strategy
- Keep cichlids well-fed
- Feed multiple times daily
- Provide varied diet
- Target feed shrimp in their hiding spots
Alternative Solutions
If you’re dead set on having both types of creatures, consider these options:
- Divided Tank: Use a tank divider to separate cichlids and shrimp
- Multiple Tanks: Keep shrimp in their own dedicated tank
- Alternative Fish: Consider non-cichlid community fish instead
The Bottom Line
Look, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but keeping cichlids with shrimp is like trying to keep cats and mice together – it’s possible but probably not worth the stress. Your best bet is to either:
- Accept some shrimp losses and maintain a large enough colony to sustain itself
- Choose one or the other
- Set up separate tanks for each
FAQ
Q: Will my cichlids definitely eat all my shrimp?
A: While not guaranteed, it’s highly likely they’ll eat at least some shrimp, especially smaller ones.
Q: What about peaceful cichlids like Rams?
A: Even peaceful cichlids will likely eat small shrimp. They’re still predators by nature.
Q: Can I breed shrimp in a cichlid tank?
A: It’s extremely difficult. Most baby shrimp will become fish food.
Final Thoughts
From my years of experience in the hobby, I’ve learned that sometimes it’s better to work with nature rather than against it. While it’s tempting to try and create that perfect community tank with both cichlids and shrimp, you might save yourself a lot of heartache (and money!) by choosing one or the other.
If you’re still determined to try, remember to start with a large shrimp colony, provide plenty of hiding places, and be prepared for some losses. And hey, if it doesn’t work out, don’t beat yourself up – even experienced aquarists struggle with this combination!
Remember: Every tank is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to observe your fish closely and be ready to make changes if needed.
Happy fishkeeping, folks!
Category #3: Peaceful Nano Fish with Tiny Mouths
Not all nano fish are shrimp-safe, but some species are so docile and diminutive that they pose little threat to full-grown cherry shrimp. Small tetras — such as the ember tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) and green neon tetra (Paracheirodon simulans) — are known for their brilliant colors and would look splendid with a group of complementary-colored shrimp. Nano rasboras — like the chili rasbora (Boraras brigittae) and neon green rasbora (Microdevario kubotai) — would also be stunning additions to a planted shrimp tank. As for bottom dwellers, dwarf cory catfish like pygmy catfish (Corydoras pygmaeus) are inclined to leave adult shrimp alone.
If you are looking to breed fish for profit and want to maximize your available space, we have successfully kept small livebearers (e.g., guppies and Endler’s livebearers) and cherry shrimp together with a giant mass of java moss in a 20-gallon tank. Any type of dense foliage, such as Pogostemon stellatus ‘octopus’ or water sprite, will do because they serve as hiding spots for the baby shrimp and fry so that the adult fish have a harder time catching them. If you build a good relationship with your local fish store, they may be willing to buy your plants as well, giving you an aquarium setup with three viable products.
Cardinal tetras, guppies, and nerite snails living with red cherry shrimp
Category #1: Small Invertebrates
Our first idea for shrimp-safe tank mates is to look at other nano invertebrates. For example, little snails — like nerite, mystery, bladder, and Malaysian trumpet snails — are mostly scavengers and detritivores that won’t eat living shrimp. They do like to eat the same types of foods as cherry shrimp though, so you may see fewer shrimp babies if the snail population outbreeds them. Larger filter-feeding shrimp, such as bamboo and vampire shrimp, are also a good choice because they predominantly eat tiny particles floating in the water. Similarly, Thai micro crabs use their hairy claws and legs to grab little crumbs, but they are quite shy and may be hard to spot in your aquarium.
Vampire or African fan shrimp (Atya gabonensis)
Other dwarf shrimp, like amano and ghost shrimp, can do well with cherry shrimp because they are roughly the same size and have similar care requirements. However, crystal shrimp and other Caridina shrimp may not be a good fit because they often prefer drastically different water parameters than cherry shrimp. While some hobbyists have kept them together, we often find that one shrimp colony tends to be happier and reproduce more than the other colony. Finally, avoid bigger crustaceans — such as long-arm shrimp, prawns, crayfish, and lobsters — because they are voracious creatures that will consume any source of protein they can find, including their smaller cousins.