Can cherry shrimp live with black ghost knives?
Verdict
No
No. Cherry shrimp and black ghost knives should not share a tank. Black ghost knives hunt shrimp. Adult cherry shrimp will be eaten.
What to watch
- Deal breakerBlack ghost knives hunt shrimp. Adult cherry shrimp will be eaten.
- Watch outBlack ghost knives grow to 15 inches and need 125 gallons, far more than a tank set up for cherry shrimp.
What works
- Both are fine at 73–80°F.
- pH 6.5–8 suits both.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Cherry shrimp | Black ghost knife | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–80 °F | 73–82 °F |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 6–8 |
| Adult size | 1.5 in | 15.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 5 gal | 125 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Swims at | Bottom | Bottom |
| Group | Groups of 6+ | One per tank |
| Diet | Omnivore | Carnivore |
Better tank mates for cherry shrimp
Mystery snailYes
CorydorasYes
Kuhli loachYes
Amano shrimpYes
Celestial pearl danioYes
Endler's livebearerYes
Better tank mates for black ghost knives
All black ghost knife tank mates
Questions
Can cherry shrimp live with black ghost knives?
No. Cherry shrimp and black ghost knives should not share a tank. Black ghost knives hunt shrimp. Adult cherry shrimp will be eaten.
What temperature suits both cherry shrimp and black ghost knives?
73–80 °F. Cherry shrimp need 65–80 °F, black ghost knives need 73–82 °F.
What size tank do cherry shrimp and black ghost knives need together?
At least 125 gal, set by the black ghost knife. Add space for each extra fish.