Can cherry shrimp live with cardinal tetras?
Verdict
Yes, with care
Yes, with care. Cherry shrimp and cardinal tetras can share a tank, but watch one thing. Cardinal tetras will eat baby shrimp and may chase adults. Dense plants or moss give cherry shrimp somewhere to hide.
What to watch
- Watch outCardinal tetras will eat baby shrimp and may chase adults. Dense plants or moss give cherry shrimp somewhere to hide.
What works
- Both are fine at 76–80°F.
- pH 6.5–7 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: cherry shrimp the bottom, cardinal tetras the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Cherry shrimp | Cardinal tetra | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–80 °F | 76–84 °F |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 4.6–7 |
| Adult size | 1.5 in | 2.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 5 gal | 20 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Bottom | Middle |
| Group | Groups of 6+ | Groups of 6+ |
| 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 cardinal tetras
Questions
Can cherry shrimp live with cardinal tetras?
Yes, with care. Cherry shrimp and cardinal tetras can share a tank, but watch one thing. Cardinal tetras will eat baby shrimp and may chase adults. Dense plants or moss give cherry shrimp somewhere to hide.
What temperature suits both cherry shrimp and cardinal tetras?
76–80 °F. Cherry shrimp need 65–80 °F, cardinal tetras need 76–84 °F.
What size tank do cherry shrimp and cardinal tetras need together?
At least 20 gal, set by the cardinal tetra. Add space for each extra fish.