Can cherry shrimp live with bala sharks?
Verdict
No
No. Cherry shrimp and bala sharks should not share a tank. A bala shark is big enough to swallow adult cherry shrimp.
What to watch
- Deal breakerA bala shark is big enough to swallow adult cherry shrimp.
- Watch outBala sharks grow to 13 inches and need 125 gallons, far more than a tank set up for cherry shrimp.
What works
- Both are fine at 72–80°F.
- pH 6.5–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: cherry shrimp the bottom, bala sharks the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Cherry shrimp | Bala shark | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–80 °F | 72–82 °F |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Adult size | 1.5 in | 13.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 5 gal | 125 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Bottom | Middle |
| Group | Groups of 6+ | Groups of 4+ |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for cherry shrimp
Mystery snailYes
CorydorasYes
Kuhli loachYes
Amano shrimpYes
Celestial pearl danioYes
Endler's livebearerYes
Better tank mates for bala sharks
Questions
Can cherry shrimp live with bala sharks?
No. Cherry shrimp and bala sharks should not share a tank. A bala shark is big enough to swallow adult cherry shrimp.
What temperature suits both cherry shrimp and bala sharks?
72–80 °F. Cherry shrimp need 65–80 °F, bala sharks need 72–82 °F.
What size tank do cherry shrimp and bala sharks need together?
At least 125 gal, set by the bala shark. Add space for each extra fish.