Can cherry shrimp live with cherry barbs?
Verdict
Yes, with care
Yes, with care. Cherry shrimp and cherry barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. Cherry barbs will eat baby shrimp and may chase adults. Dense plants or moss give cherry shrimp somewhere to hide.
What to watch
- Watch outCherry barbs will eat baby shrimp and may chase adults. Dense plants or moss give cherry shrimp somewhere to hide.
What works
- Both are fine at 73–80°F.
- pH 6.5–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: cherry shrimp the bottom, cherry barbs the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Cherry shrimp | Cherry barb | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–80 °F | 73–81 °F |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 6–7.5 |
| 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 cherry barbs
Questions
Can cherry shrimp live with cherry barbs?
Yes, with care. Cherry shrimp and cherry barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. Cherry barbs 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 cherry barbs?
73–80 °F. Cherry shrimp need 65–80 °F, cherry barbs need 73–81 °F.
What size tank do cherry shrimp and cherry barbs need together?
At least 20 gal, set by the cherry barb. Add space for each extra fish.