Ever wondered if your pleco might snack on those tiny shrimp swimming around your tank? I’ve got the complete scoop on this common aquarium dilemma. Let me break it down for you in simple terms
The Quick Answer
Plecos generally don’t actively hunt or eat healthy adult shrimp. However, there’s always a risk with larger pleco species. Most plecos prefer algae and plant matter, but they might opportunistically eat small or weak shrimp if they get the chance.
Understanding Pleco Behavior
Here’s what you should know about these fascinating fish
- They’re primarily peaceful bottom dwellers
- Most are nocturnal (active at night)
- Their main diet consists of algae and plant matter
- Some species can grow pretty big (up to 24 inches!)
Which Plecos Are Safe With Shrimp?
These smaller, peaceful pleco species typically do well with shrimp:
- Bristlenose Plecos (max 5-6 inches)
- Clown Plecos (3-4 inches)
- Rubber Lip Plecos
- Dwarf Plecos (Otocinclus)
Which Plecos Should You Avoid?
Stay away from these guys if you’ve got shrimp:
- Common Plecos (can reach 24 inches!)
- Royal Plecos
- Sailfin Plecos
- Vampire Plecos (they’re more carnivorous)
Making It Work: Tank Setup Tips
To keep both plecos and shrimp happy, you’ll need:
Tank Parameters
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 74-78°F |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Tank Size | 40+ gallons |
| Water Hardness | 6-10 dGH |
Essential Setup Elements
- Lots of hiding spots (caves, driftwood)
- Dense plant coverage
- Good filtration
- Regular water changes
- Multiple feeding zones
Pro Tips for Success
- Feed Well: Keep your pleco well-fed with algae wafers and veggies
- Create Zones: Give shrimp their own territory with dense plants
- Start Right: Add shrimp first, then introduce the pleco
- Choose Wisely: Pick larger shrimp species like Amano or Bamboo shrimp
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overstock your tank
- Avoid putting tiny shrimplets with large plecos
- Don’t skimp on hiding places
- Never ignore water quality
My Personal Experience
I’ve kept bristlenose plecos with cherry shrimp for years, and lemme tell you – it can totally work! The key is giving everyone enough space and hiding spots. My shrimp population actually grew even with the pleco around, which was pretty cool.
Final Thoughts
While plecos and shrimp can definitely be tankmates, success depends on choosing the right species and setting up your tank properly. Remember, every tank is different, and what works in one setup might not work in another. Just keep an eye on things and be ready to make adjustments if needed.
Got more questions about keeping plecos and shrimp together? Drop them in the comments below! And don’t forget to share your own experiences – we’d love to hear them!
Disclaimer: These recommendations are based on general experience and research. Your individual results may vary depending on specific circumstances and tank conditions.
Next is a similar combination of an aquarium with Neon Tetra, Ember Tetra and Red Cherry Shrimp.
Neon Tetra is a sociable and group fish, they are peaceful and attract all eyes with their striking red and blue bodies. They dont usually come into conflict with other fish and feel safe around them.
While the Ember Tetra is also a small and friendly fish, it adapts well to tanks with shrimp and other tetra species.
The Red Cherry Shrimp is a bottom-walker, sometimes climbing onto moss balls. But they do not intrude or disturb the fish. Red cherry shrimp are hard-working in their business of eating algae and their leftovers.
✅Temperature: 22-27°C is suitable for all species. Neon Tetra and Ember Tetra both come from warm water environments.
✅ pH: 6.0-7.5, a pleasing environment for both fish and shrimp.
✅Hardness (dKH): 2-10 dKH, suitable for shrimp and fish.
Neon Tetra and Ember Tetra: Provides granules, pellets and bloodworms, ensuring a balance between granules and protein.
Red Cherry Shrimp: Provides algae feed, fiber feed and fish leftovers.
The advantage of feeding these 3 species is the party so they can meet and talk together. You will see tetras snapping food near the surface of the water, when the food falls to the bottom, the large family of red cherry shrimp will happily enjoy it without complaining.
– Weekly water change by about 20-30%, ensuring freshwater condition for livestock.
– Use the Seachem liquid to provide beneficial microorganisms for fish and shrimp.
(You can read more about The Benefit Of Seachem Stability For New Aquarists.)
– Clean the tank and remove uneaten food to avoid water pollution that can cause disease in the fish and shrimp community.
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
Can red cherry shrimp live with pleco?
Bristlenose Plecos can live healthy in tanks with the water environment in which Red Cherry Shrimp live. Give them driftwood to keep them healthy. Hatchetfish is another good choice for red cherry shrimp.
What is the common pleco’s favourite food?
Aqueon Bottom Feeder Tablets, Shrimp Pellets, Tropical Granules and Algae Rounds can all be excellent foods for these catfish. Because of their nocturnal habits, many experienced hobbyists target feed their plecos once or twice a week with tablet or disc foods given at night.
What aquarium fish will not eat shrimp?
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.
Will common pleco eat other fish?
While generally considered peaceful, common plecos (Plecostomus) can pose a threat to other fish, especially if they are hungry or if smaller fish are present. They are omnivores and scavengers, meaning they will eat both plants and animals, including dead or dying fish.