What size tank do cherry shrimp need?
At least 5 gallons (19 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 5 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. Scientific name: Neocaridina davidi.
How many cherry shrimp in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if cherry shrimp are the only animals in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many cherry shrimp |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | up to 28 |
| 10 gallon | up to 50 |
| 20 gallon long | 60 or more |
| 29 gallon | 60 or more |
| 40 gallon breeder | 60 or more |
| 55 gallon | 60 or more |
| 75 gallon | 60 or more |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check cherry shrimp against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Cherry shrimp feel safe in numbers and come out into the open more.
- Fish over about 2 in (5 cm) eat baby shrimp. Give shrimp moss and dense plants to hide in.
Tank mates for cherry shrimp
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Endler's livebearer
- Chili rasbora
- Guppy
- Neon tetra
- Ember tetra
- Celestial pearl danio
- White Cloud Mountain minnow
- Sparkling gourami
Poor matches
- Angelfish: Angelfish (about 6 in) can eat cherry shrimp (about 1.2 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as cherry shrimp.
Can cherry shrimp live with...
- bettas
- guppies
- neon tetras
- fancy goldfish
- angelfish
- bronze corydoras
- mollies
- platies
- tiger barbs
- dwarf gouramis
- oscars
- zebra danios
- bristlenose plecos
Questions and answers
What size tank do cherry shrimp need?
At least 5 gallons (19 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 5 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many cherry shrimp should be kept together?
At least 6. Cherry shrimp are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can cherry shrimp live in a 10 gallon tank?
Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries up to about 50 as the only animals in the tank.
What temperature do cherry shrimp need?
64–82 °F (18–28 °C), with a pH of 6.5–8. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can cherry shrimp live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.