Can Shrimp Live with Guppies?

Shrimps are a typical delicacy, and perhaps not a lot of people consider them pets to keep in a tank.

While Guppies are reasonably well known for their distinct personalities and appearance, Shrimps are just as easy to care for.

They can quickly adapt because of their habitual scavenging patterns and consumption of algae growth.

Just like Guppies, Shrimps are also found in a wide variety of hues, which can produce diversity in an aquatic ecosystem.

But can Shrimp live with Guppies? You will find many successful attempts at providing a typical habitat for these two species.

However, if you want to know more about their nature and how much compatibility they hold, you must read on.

Understanding Shrimp

Shrimps are aquatic creatures but not fishes, and they come under the family tree of Decapoda and are a far cousin of lobsters and crabs.

Their history is unique and dates back to thousands of centuries ago, having adapted to various conditions, whether the deepest seas and oceans or shallow rivers and streams.

They have a tough exoskeleton and walk on ten legs.

The most common type of Shrimp is the Neocaridina davidi, otherwise known as cherry Shrimp; however, there is a large variety of them in the waters.

A few other types are the Ghost Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp, and the Amano Shrimp.

A tank of 5 or 10 gallons can be home to a handful of shrimps, with its water levels reaching a temperature of 72-78°F and pH of 6.

5 – 7.

5.

You need not put plants; just sand and a sponge serving as a filter will be sufficient.

Understanding Guppies

The vibrantly hued Guppies, also scientifically referred to as Poecilia reticulata, are tropical fishes that are reputed for their lively personalities and are relatively easy to look after.

Compared to their female counterparts, male Guppies have sexual dimorphism with the presentation of vividly hued fins and a brighter appearance.

They are around the same size as Ghost Guppies, which is 1.

5 – 2.

5 inches, and they can be housed in a 10-gallon tank.

The water temperature and pH levels they thrive in are very similar to that of Shrimps, with the capacity to handle water hardness of 10 dGh.

As much as people love to assume these small fishes can survive in a small space like a bowl, they require a proper tank equipped with heating and filter systems.

They do not specifically eat flakes; they are omnivores that can have a range of foods added to their diets.

Not all Guppies have the popular orange-tinted coat, but there is a plethora of hues that Guppies come in.

Can Shrimp Live with Guppies

If you are wondering whether Shrimps and Guppies will get along in a tank, it depends on what type of shrimp you choose.

Cherries and Amanos are preferably a better choice due to their capacity to withstand the tropical climate that Guppies love.

Although Guppies are small, they are still omnivorous, so keeping an abundance of plants can help Shrimps hide away in case of aggression.

The Guppy is known for its opportunistic behavior, and because they are usually fed flakes for their diet, they might mistake young Shrimps for food and cause a decline in the Shrimp colony population.

The males are quite different from their calmer female counterparts, as they can stress out other species in the tank when they exhibit signs of territory aggressiveness.

While Guppies swim around the mid-tank, Shrimps stay close to the bottom.

While this may seem reasonable, it does not mean Shrimps are far from being preyed upon.

Aquarists devise plans to keep them in larger tanks with a significant amount of planting.

This helps the smaller species stay clear of predation.

If you choose to keep Shrimps like the Amano, it will be favorable since it has a more rigid shell than others, which can help it survive.

Even so, observations are a must because you can check for any stressful situations that might arise.

If there is any problem, it is best to go for plan B and separate them into two different tanks.

Compatibility Considerations

Guppies and their versatility and adaptability make them the obvious choice for aquarists who are inexperienced.

They require either living or fake plants to act as hiding areas and a smooth filter to maintain the oxygen in the tank.

However, when put together with Shrimps, they become the predators.

Shrimps have differing shades and sizes, and aquarists have to care for them in a different style as well.

These creatures are generally harmless and quite calm temperated; however, this allows other species to see them as easy food, especially for the omnivorous creature Guppy.

They are known to be calm-natured, but when paired together, they might exhibit signs of stress or aggression, and this will disrupt the natural habitat of the tank.

Both of these creatures are the scavenging type, so competing for food will not be new.

It is crucial to provide adequate sources of food for both.

Despite these setbacks, Shrimps are very good roommates because they habitually consume algae and other unbeaten food.

This leads to a cleaner tank, which will be an excellent advantage for the aquarium’s ecosystem.

Together, they are colorful creatures that can make a tank look very pleasing and appeal to visitors with their diversity.

Paying attention to their behavior around each other will be a good first step when introducing these two creatures.

Allow the space to be filled with cover spots to create higher chances of survival and a better sense of security.

Conclusion

On an average day, Shrimps are usually ignored by Guppies if they stay hidden in their plant cover.

Hence, providing adequate living plants will promote healthy growth and a better ecosystem.

It is always good to be cautious before you start your venture as an aquarist, so always have backup plans and make sure you observe their behavior now and then to examine cases of harassment.