Can cherry shrimp live with odessa barbs?
Verdict
Yes, with care
Yes, with care. Cherry shrimp and odessa barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. Odessa barbs will eat baby shrimp and may chase adults. Dense plants or moss give cherry shrimp somewhere to hide.
What to watch
- Watch outOdessa 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 70–79°F.
- pH 6.5–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: cherry shrimp the bottom, odessa barbs the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Cherry shrimp | Odessa barb | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–80 °F | 70–79 °F |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 6–7.5 |
| Adult size | 1.5 in | 3.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 5 gal | 30 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 odessa barbs
Questions
Can cherry shrimp live with odessa barbs?
Yes, with care. Cherry shrimp and odessa barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. Odessa 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 odessa barbs?
70–79 °F. Cherry shrimp need 65–80 °F, odessa barbs need 70–79 °F.
What size tank do cherry shrimp and odessa barbs need together?
At least 30 gal, set by the odessa barb. Add space for each extra fish.