Can discus live with cherry shrimp?
Verdict
No
No. Discus and cherry shrimp should not share a tank. No shared temperature. Discus need 82–88°F, cherry shrimp need 65–80°F.
What to watch
- Deal breakerNo shared temperature. Discus need 82–88°F, cherry shrimp need 65–80°F.
- Deal breakerA discus is big enough to swallow adult cherry shrimp.
What works
- pH 6.5–7 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: discus the mid, cherry shrimp the bottom.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Discus | Cherry shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 82–88 °F | 65–80 °F |
| pH | 5.5–7 | 6.5–8 |
| Adult size | 6.0 in | 1.5 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gal | 5 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Middle | Bottom |
| Group | Groups of 5+ | Groups of 6+ |
| Diet | Carnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for discus
Better tank mates for cherry shrimp
Mystery snailYes
CorydorasYes
Kuhli loachYes
Amano shrimpYes
Celestial pearl danioYes
Endler's livebearerYes
Questions
Can discus live with cherry shrimp?
No. Discus and cherry shrimp should not share a tank. No shared temperature. Discus need 82–88°F, cherry shrimp need 65–80°F.
What temperature suits both discus and cherry shrimp?
None. Discus need 82–88 °F and cherry shrimp need 65–80 °F, so the ranges do not meet.
What size tank do discus and cherry shrimp need together?
At least 55 gal, set by the discus. Add space for each extra fish.