Otocinclus and Cherry Shrimp: Can They Live Together?
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Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Otocinclus | Cherry Shrimp | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water temperature | 72–79°F | 65–78°F | Overlap 72–78°F |
| pH | 6–7.5 | 6.5–8 | Overlap 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness | 2–15 dGH | 6–20 dGH | Overlap 6–15 dGH |
| Adult size | 1.5″ | 1.0″ | Similar |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful | Both peaceful |
| Swim level | All | Bottom | Different zones |
| Minimum tank | 10 gal | 5 gal | Together: 13 gal+ |
Shared water parameters
- Temperature both tolerate: 72–78°F
- pH both tolerate: 6.5–7.5
- Hardness both tolerate: 6–15 dGH
- Recommended combined tank: 13 gallons or larger
Risks and things to watch
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.
- Otocinclus — minimum group of 6. Budget tank space for the whole shoal, not one fish.
- Cherry Shrimp — minimum group of 6. Budget tank space for the whole shoal, not one fish.
Frequently asked questions
Can otocinclus and cherry shrimp live together?
Yes — compatible. Otocinclus and Cherry Shrimp are a good match. They share a workable temperature and pH window, neither is large enough to threaten the other, and temperaments are compatible. Give them at least 13 gallons once both group requirements are met.
What size tank do otocinclus and cherry shrimp need together?
Plan for at least 13 gallons. Otocinclus alone needs 10 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 72 and 78°F. Set the heater to the middle of that window and keep it stable.
What pH works for both?
Aim for pH 6.5–7.5, which sits inside both species' comfortable range.
Will otocinclus eat cherry shrimp?
Unlikely. At 1.5″ versus 1.0″ the size gap is not large enough for predation, though fry and juveniles are never safe in a community tank.
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.