Hey there fellow fish lovers! If you’re like me and wondering whether those cute little neon tetras might turn your shrimp into snacks, I’ve got some good news and, well, some not-so-good news. Let’s dive right in and figure this out together!
The Quick Answer
Yep neon tetras can eat shrimp, but it’s not as scary as it sounds! The relationship between these two aquarium buddies mainly depends on size – bigger shrimp are usually safe while tiny ones might end up as tetra treats.
The Size Factor: Who’s Safe and Who’s Not?
Safe Shrimp (Usually):
- Adult Amano Shrimp (up to 2 inches)
- Full-grown Ghost Shrimp
- Mature Cherry Shrimp
- Adult Crystal Red Shrimp
At-Risk Shrimp:
- Baby shrimp of any species
- Newly molted shrimp
- Very small varieties
- Injured or weak shrimp
Making It Work: Tips for a Happy Tank Family
1. Create a Shrimp Paradise
Listen up! If you wanna keep your shrimpies safe. here’s what ya need
- Lots of Plants: Java moss, hornwort, and other dense plants are like tiny shrimp apartments
- Hiding Spots: Rocks, driftwood, decorative caves (the more, the better!)
- Multiple Layers: Different levels for both species to hang out
2. Feeding Strategy
One super important trick I’ve learned is to keep those neons well-fed
- Feed your tetras 2-3 times daily (small portions)
- Use high-quality flake food
- Add variety with frozen or live foods
- Target feed different areas (top for tetras, bottom for shrimp)
Tank Setup Essentials
Perfect Parameters for Both:
Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)pH: 6.8-7.8Tank Size: 20+ gallons recommendedFiltration: Sponge filter or guard-protected filterPlant Coverage:
- Aim for 60-70% plant coverage
- Mix of floating and rooted plants
- Dense undergrowth areas
Common Questions I Get Asked
Q: Will my neons definitely eat baby shrimp?
A: They might try! Baby shrimp are like tiny moving snacks for tetras. But with enough hiding spots, some will survive and grow up.
Q: How many neons is too many with shrimp?
A: For a 20-gallon tank, stick to:
- 12-15 neon tetras
- 10-15 adult shrimp
- Plenty of plants!
Q: What’s the best shrimp species to start with?
A: Amano shrimp! They’re bigger, tougher, and less likely to become tetra snacks. Plus, they’re awesome algae cleaners!
Pro Tips from My Experience
- Start Right: Add shrimp first, let them establish territories
- Plant Heavy: More plants = more survival chances
- Watch Behavior: If tetras seem too aggressive, add more hiding spots
- Regular Maintenance: Keep water clean for both species
- Patience: It takes time for everyone to settle in
Warning Signs to Watch For
Keep an eye out if you notice:
- Tetras constantly chasing shrimp
- Shrimp hiding more than usual
- Declining shrimp population
- Aggressive feeding behavior
Final Thoughts
Look, I won’t sugar-coat it – keeping neon tetras with shrimp isn’t always smooth sailing. But with the right setup and care, it’s totally doable! My tanks have been running successfully with both species for years.
Remember, every tank is different, and what works in one might not work in another. Start slow, observe carefully, and adjust as needed. And hey, if things don’t work out perfectly, that’s just another excuse to set up another tank, right?
Quick Success Checklist:
- Dense plant coverage
- Multiple hiding spots
- Regular feeding schedule
- Proper tank size
- Water parameter monitoring
- Patient observation
Good luck with your aquatic community! If you’ve got any other questions or wanna share your experiences, drop them in the comments below. We’re all in this hobby together!
Video: Red Cherry Shrimp are thriving in the tetra tank
Most of the time, neon tetras don’t eat cherry shrimps since they are omnivores, and the breed is among the most pacific ones within the tetra family. However, it’s not uncommon that your Neon tetras chase after your cherry shrimps, especially if they are constantly hungry and live in a closeted space.
3 Tips On How To Keep Cherry Shrimps Alive With Tetras
These are the 3 pieces of advice that I would give to any new hobbyists on keeping cherry shrimps alive with their tetras. Since there are different breeds of tetras and Neon is one of the very few who don’t feed on shrimp, it’s still recommended to have protection within the tank.