Can Ghost Shrimp Live with Cherry Shrimp? A Detailed Guide

Combining different freshwater shrimp species like ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp in one aquarium can add visual interest and diversity. But will these two shrimp get along peacefully or will conflict arise?

In this detailed guide, we’ll examine if and how ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp can cohabitate by comparing their care needs, behaviors, and ideal tank conditions Read on to learn everything you need to know about mixing these popular shrimp breeds in a community tank

An Overview of Ghost Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp

Let’s start with a quick profile of each shrimp species

Ghost shrimp (Palaemonetes spp.), also called glass shrimp, are a common freshwater shrimp found in pet stores. They have a translucent body with a subtle dots-and-flecks pattern. Adults reach 1-2 inches long.

Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are a bright red dwarf shrimp commonly bred for freshwater tanks. Their vibrant coloration makes them a popular choice. They max out around 1 inch in size.

While their sizes and appearances differ, both are peaceful omnivores that thrive in planted tanks with stable water parameters. This suggests compatibility potential.

But there are also some key differences to consider before mixing them:

• Temperament – Ghost shrimp tend to be more aggressive compared to the docile cherry shrimp.

• Lifespan – Cherry shrimp enjoy a 1-2 year lifespan while ghost shrimp only live about 1 year.

• Care difficulty – Cherry shrimp are fairly hardy and easy to keep while ghost shrimp are more sensitive.

• Reproduction – Cherry shrimp breed rapidly, ghost shrimp reproducing slower.

So while on paper they have similar care needs, ghost shrimp present more challenges. The central question remains – can these differences be reconciled safely in a shared tank?

Comparing Care Needs Side-by-Side

To determine compatibility, we need to examine care requirements for each shrimp species in detail:

Water Parameters: Both prefer stable water conditions with moderate hardness and near neutral pH:

• Temperature: 65-80°F
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• GH: 5-10° dGH

Tank Size: A 10 gallon or larger aquarium provides ample space. Cherry shrimp colonies can be dense.

Decor: Planted tanks offer security via hiding spots among plants and hardscape. Include smooth decor only.

Substrate: Fine-grained sandy substrates are ideal to enable natural burrowing.

Diet: As omnivores, they eat a varied diet including algae, biofilm, flakes, pellets, blanched veggies.

Tank Mates: Peaceful fish/inverts that won’t snack on shrimp. Avoid territorial species.

Filtration: Low flow and gentle filtration preferred. Sponge filters work great.

By reviewing their shared needs for stable water quality, ample space, fine substrate, plant coverage, and calm tank mates, a properly setup aquarium could support both ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp together.

Key Behavioral Differences Between Species

Care parameters alone don’t determine compatibility. The behaviors of each shrimp species must also be taken into account:

• Activity Levels: Cherry shrimp move slowly and spend more time resting. Ghost shrimp are constantly active scavenging for food.

• Aggression: Ghost shrimp are notoriously nippy and may attack weaker tank mates, especially during molting. Cherry shrimp do not exhibit aggression.

• Territoriality: Neither species is territorial, so this isn’t a major concern. They do prefer having hiding spots.

• Reproduction: Cherry shrimp breed frequently, producing dozens of babies. Ghost shrimp reproduce slower.

Based on the more aggressive and hyperactive nature of ghost shrimp compared to the peaceful cherry shrimp, conflict could arise if tank resources are limited.

Ideal Tank Conditions For Cohabitation

If you want to keep ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp together, special care must be taken to reduce aggression through proper tank setup:

• Dense planting – Provide ample hiding spots among plants like moss, ferns, stems.

• Caves and rocks – Driftwood, rocks, pipes give shade and breaks line of sight.

• Large tank – A 20 gallon or bigger leaves ample room to avoid encounters.

• 5+ individuals of each – Adding 5-10 shrimp of each species allows natural shoaling.

• Fine substrate – Sand encourages natural burrowing behavior and reduces aggression.

• Abundant food – Well-fed shrimp are less likely to turn on tank mates. Offer daily meals.

• Few tank mates – Limit fish and other species that may compromise shrimp.

Following these aquascaping and stocking best practices is key to making a ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp community tank work long-term.

Answering Key Questions on Compatibility

To pull together the information provided above, let’s review answers to some commonly asked questions:

Can ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp live together peacefully?

Yes, they can coexist together in a well-planned larger planted tank, but precautions must be taken. Ghost shrimp may become aggressive toward cherry shrimp, especially during molting or if food is scarce. Provide ample hiding spots and do not overstock.

Will ghost shrimp attack or eat cherry shrimp?

In most cases, ghost shrimp will leave cherry shrimp alone. However, there is some risk of ghost shrimp nipping vulnerable molting cherry shrimp if the tank is too crowded. Make sure each shrimp has adequate personal space and food.

Should I keep just one species or can I mix them?

You can safely mix ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp together in appropriate numbers (5-10 of each) in a larger tank if water parameters are stable and resources plentiful. This allows for natural shoaling. Mixing creates more visual interest and activity than a single species tank.

Which shrimp will dominate the tank?

In a well-run community tank, neither species will take over. Though ghost shrimp are more bold and active, cherry shrimp bred faster and can match their numbers. Maintain a balance through culling and adequate tank space.

What ratio should I stock ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp?

As a rule of thumb, start with at least a 1:1 ratio of 5-10 individuals each. Grade aggressiveness and adjust ratios as needed. Cherry shrimp may need to outnumber ghost shrimp by 2:1 or more to curb bullying.

Ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp offer a compelling contrast in size, color, and temperament. While their care needs overlap, ghost shrimp present a moderate risk of antagonizing cherry shrimp tank mates.

By following the tank setup and stocking steps outlined above, you can successfully combine these species to take advantage of their unique qualities. Maximizing hiding spots, food, tank size, and numbers paves the way to a long lasting community.

With time and fine tuning to ensure harmony, a mixture of bustling ghost shrimp activity and bright cherry shrimp presence can create an eye-catching freshwater shrimp aquarium. Give your tank some variety by mixing these interesting shrimp species together.