Can pencilfish live with bamboo shrimp?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Pencilfish and bamboo shrimp make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–82°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

PencilfishPencilfish75–82°F · pH 5–7.5 Bamboo shrimpBamboo shrimp72–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–82°Pencilfish 75–82°Bamboo shrimp 72–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Pencilfish 5–7.5Bamboo shrimp 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Pencilfish · 2 inBamboo shrimp · 3 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

PencilfishBamboo shrimp
Temperature75–82 °F72–82 °F
pH5–7.56.5–7.5
Adult size2.0 in3.0 in
Minimum tank15 gal20 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 6+Alone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for pencilfish

All pencilfish tank mates

Better tank mates for bamboo shrimp

All bamboo shrimp tank mates

Questions

Can pencilfish live with bamboo shrimp?

Yes. Pencilfish and bamboo shrimp make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–82°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both pencilfish and bamboo shrimp?

75–82 °F. Pencilfish need 75–82 °F, bamboo shrimp need 72–82 °F.

What size tank do pencilfish and bamboo shrimp need together?

At least 20 gal, set by the bamboo shrimp. Add space for each extra fish.