You might want to put together a small aquarium with cherry shrimp and Betta fish, which are also known as Siamese fighting fish. Both of these species do well in small aquariums. Both are tiny and make a perfect choice for planted, lightly filtered nano tanks. But can they live together?.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about keeping cherry shrimp and Betta fish together. Let’s see if they get along with each other and look at some ways to make it work!
Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are popular freshwater fish that are well-known for their beautiful fins and aggressive behavior Many aquarium owners are interested in adding shrimp as tank mates for their betta fish, as shrimp can help clean algae and provide visual interest However, bettas are carnivorous and may attack or eat shrimp. So can betta fish live with shrimp?
The answer is yes betta fish can live with certain shrimp species under the right conditions. With proper tank setup and preparation bettas and shrimp can coexist peacefully. The key factors are choosing appropriate shrimp species, providing plenty of hiding spaces, feeding both shrimp and betta adequately, and monitoring their interactions.
What Shrimp Can Live With Bettas?
Not all shrimp species are suitable tank mates for bettas. When selecting shrimp, larger shrimp varieties that can defend themselves are the best options. The most recommended shrimp species that can live with bettas include
Amano Shrimp
Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata), also known as Yamato shrimp or algae shrimp, are one of the most popular options. They can grow up to 2 inches, which makes them too large for bettas to eat.
Amanos are also peaceful and won’t bother betta fish. They share similar water parameter needs as bettas, preferring pH between 6-7 and temperature of 70-80°F. Due to their size and docile nature, amanos rarely get attacked by bettas.
Ghost Shrimp
Ghost shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) can reach 1.5 inches when fully grown, making them a suitable betta companion. They tend to keep to themselves and are unlikely to be bothered by bettas. Ghost shrimp thrive in pH 7-8 and temperature 72-82°F, compatible with bettas.
Start with 2-4 ghost shrimp in a betta tank. Too many may overcrowd the tank. Adult ghost shrimp won’t get eaten but their babies might become betta snacks.
Bamboo Shrimp
Bamboo shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) are larger filter feeding shrimp that can grow over 2 inches. Their size makes them unsuitable food sources for betta fish. However, bettas may nip at bamboo shrimp’s fragile fans which are used for filter feeding. So they require more monitoring than amanos and ghosts.
Vampire Shrimp
Vampire shrimp (Atyidae sp.) are another large shrimp species exceeding 3 inches in length. They resemble bamboo shrimp but with a more reddish coloration. Their formidable size means vampire shrimp are rarely bothered by betta fish. But be sure to provide plenty of drifting plants and hardscape where they can perch and filter feed.
Unsuitable Shrimp for Bettas
The following smaller shrimp species are likely betta prey and are not recommended tank mates:
- Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
- Crystal shrimp (Caridina cantonensis)
- Bee shrimp (Caridina cantonensis)
- Dwarf shrimp like blue velvet shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
Due to their diminutive size and bright colors, these shrimp will look like snacks to bettas. It’s best to avoid mixing them together.
Important Considerations for Keeping Shrimp With Bettas
While certain shrimp can live together with bettas, there are some important care requirements:
Tank Size
A larger tank is always better when housing multiple species. Aim for at least a 10 gallon tank, which allows for more zoning and reduces aggression. Make sure it is cycled and water parameters are stable before adding shrimp.
Plenty of Hiding Spots
Include lots of plants, rocks, driftwood to break line of sight. Shrimp need sufficient hiding places to retreat if chased by bettas. Java moss makes the perfect natural shrimp haven.
Supplemental Feeding
Feed both shrimp and bettas well so they don’t compete for food. Shrimp enjoy algae wafers, blanched veggies and shrimp pellets. Target feed shrimp their share before offering betta pellets. This prevents aggression at feeding time.
Monitor Interactions
When first introduced, keep a close eye on the betta’s behavior towards shrimp. Some bettas will relentlessly hunt shrimp. Be prepared to separate aggressive bettas. Adding shrimp before betta can help establish shrimp first.
Have Backup Tank
Set up a spare tank for the betta or shrimp in case separation is needed. Quarantine and observe new shrimp in a separate holding tank before introducing them to the main tank.
With planning and vigilance, bettas and shrimp can coexist in a tank. While no combination is 100% guaranteed, the above tips will give your shrimp the greatest chance of surviving with bettas. Be selective in shrimp choice, provide ample cover, feed both species sufficiently, and monitor tank interactions. With close management, a betta shrimp community is certainly possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many shrimp can live with a betta?
A good starting point is 5-6 larger shrimp like amano or ghost shrimp per 5 gallons of water. So a 10 gallon tank could house 10-15 shrimp with a betta. Monitor conditions and behavior. Increase or reduce shrimp numbers accordingly.
Will betta fish attack shrimp at night?
Bettas may be more active and aggressive at night. Make sure shy shrimp have sufficient hiding spots and covers to feel secure after lights off. Dense planting is key.
Do bettas eat baby shrimp?
Most likely. Newborn and juvenile shrimp are highly vulnerable and will easily become betta snacks if they are small varieties like cherry shrimp. Keep breeding shrimp separate.
What if my betta attacks shrimp?
Remove the betta to a separate tank if it relentlessly attacks shrimp. Or take out the vulnerable shrimp. Try rearranging decor and changing tank scape to break territories if aggression persists after reintroduction.
Can I add shrimp before or after betta?
Adding shrimp first can allow them to establish territory and hiding spots. Bettas added later are less likely to view tank as just their own. But expect some chasing either way after any new additions as fish reestablish dominance.
The Bottom Line
Bettas and shrimp can form a successful community with careful selection of appropriate shrimp species, tank preparation, supplemental feeding, and close monitoring of behaviors. Larger shrimp like amanos and ghosts that can defend themselves have the best chance of surviving with bettas. Provide ample hiding places using plants and hardscape. Feed both species well to reduce competition. Be ready to separate if aggression arises. With extra effort, bettas and shrimp can live together contentedly.
Can cherry shrimp and Betta fish live together?
To answer this question, you need to remember that Betta fish are carnivores by nature and eat small invertebrates. You’re right if you think “small invertebrate” sounds a lot like a cherry shrimp, which is scientifically called Neocaridina davidi “Red Cherry.” We don’t think you should keep your shrimp and Betta together if you don’t want your Betta to eat any of them.
The thing is, though, that cherry shrimp breed very quickly. Additionally, once they reach their adult size, theyre a bit on the large side for a Betta. It is usually possible to keep a cherry colony with a Betta without the fish being able to kill them all. Yes, there are some good things about this! But, once more, it depends on how you feel about the Betta eating a few shrimp here and there.
As with everything in the aquarium, this is kind of an individual thing. Most Bettas will be content to pick off the occasional shrimp fry and leave it at that. Others will leave the shrimp alone entirely. Yet others, though, will cause absolute carnage and not be suitable to keep with any tankmates.
Theres no way of knowing beforehand which one your Siamese fighting fish is going to be. Plan B should be ready, or make sure to get your shrimp for a very low price so that the whole thing doesn’t cost too much.
Shrimp as live food?
Okay, this one depends a bit on how you feel about the topic and how squeamish you are. But remember: Betta fish would naturally hunt small bugs. Feeding yours only formulated pellets takes away the enrichment that finding its own prey would offer.
Bettas should be fed live foods every once in a while to keep them from getting bored and doing bad things like biting their own fins. So, even if your Siamese fighting fish likes to hunt shrimp, it might be a good idea to put some in its tank. The cherry shrimp can be raised in a separate, small aquarium. When the colony gets too big, you can put some in with your Betta for it to eat.