Apistogramma and Cherry Shrimp: Can They Live Together?
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Apistogramma | Cherry Shrimp | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water temperature | 75–83°F | 65–78°F | Overlap 75–78°F |
| pH | 5.5–7 | 6.5–8 | Overlap 6.5–7 |
| Hardness | 2–12 dGH | 6–20 dGH | Overlap 6–12 dGH |
| Adult size | 3.0″ | 1.0″ | 3.0× difference |
| Temperament | Semi | Peaceful | Watch territory |
| Swim level | Bottom | Bottom | Same zone |
| Minimum tank | 20 gal | 5 gal | Together: 23 gal+ |
Shared water parameters
- Temperature both tolerate: 75–78°F
- pH both tolerate: 6.5–7
- Hardness both tolerate: 6–12 dGH
- Recommended combined tank: 23 gallons or larger
Risks and things to watch
Size mismatch — predation risk
Apistogramma reaches 3.0″ while Cherry Shrimp tops out at 1.0″. As a rough rule, anything that fits in another fish's mouth eventually will. This is the main reason this pairing needs care.
Spawning aggression
Semi-aggressive species are usually calm until they pair off. Expect a territory to be claimed and defended around caves or flat surfaces.
Both occupy the bottom zone
Competition for space and food is higher when two species share the same layer. Increase footprint rather than height.
Cherry Shrimp may be eaten or harassed
Adult cherry shrimp are usually safe with small peaceful fish, but babies rarely survive. Dense moss and cholla wood give juveniles somewhere to hide. Never medicate the tank with copper.
Group requirements
Compatibility is not only about the two species getting along — each still needs its own social setup met inside the same tank.
- Apistogramma — no group requirement; single specimens are fine.
- Cherry Shrimp — minimum group of 6. Budget tank space for the whole shoal, not one fish.
Frequently asked questions
Can apistogramma and cherry shrimp live together?
Not recommended. We do not recommend housing Apistogramma with Cherry Shrimp. The conflicts below are structural — they are not solved by a bigger tank or more plants. Choose a different tank mate instead.
What size tank do apistogramma and cherry shrimp need together?
Plan for at least 23 gallons. Apistogramma alone needs 20 gallons and Cherry Shrimp needs 5, but combined stocking needs headroom for filtration and swimming space, not just volume.
What temperature suits both species?
Both are comfortable between 75 and 78°F. Set the heater to the middle of that window and keep it stable.
What pH works for both?
Aim for pH 6.5–7, which sits inside both species' comfortable range.
Will apistogramma eat cherry shrimp?
It is a real risk. The size difference is 3.0×, and anything that fits in a fish's mouth is eventually treated as food.
How should the tank be arranged?
Use plants, wood and rock to break sight lines, keep open swimming space along the front, and add the more territorial species last so it cannot claim the whole tank before the other settles in.
Explore further
Assessment generated from our compatibility methodology: parameter overlap, adult size ratio, temperament and swimming zone. Reviewed by Marcus Rivera.