Do Loaches Eat Shrimp? A Guide to Keeping Shrimp Safely with Loaches

As an aquarium hobbyist, I love the unique look and behaviors of loaches. But I also enjoy keeping shrimp, which presents a challenge – loaches are known shrimp predators! Through research and experience, I’ve learned strategies to house loaches and shrimp together safely. Here’s what I know about loach and shrimp compatibility.

The Predatory Nature of Loaches

Loaches are opportunistic omnivores that will eat anything they can fit in their mouths. Many loach species actively hunt live foods including:

• Snails
• Worms
• Small fish
• Shrimp

Their natural behaviors include flipping over rocks and rooting through substrate for prey. So in an aquarium, shrimp often become targets. Reports of loaches attacking, killing and eating shrimp are common.

However, not all loaches exhibit the same level of predatory interest. Factors impacting shrimp safety include:

• Loach species
• Individual personality
• Loach size
• Tank conditions
• Alternative foods

With proper precautions, certain loach species can coexist with shrimp. Let’s look at some of the best options.

Best Loaches for Shrimp Tanks

If keeping dwarf shrimp, avoid most bottom-dwelling loaches like clowns, kuhlis and skunks. They are likely to feed on shrimp directly. Better choices include:

• Zebra loaches – Less aggressive and lower risk, but may still eat juvenile shrimp.
• Hillstream loaches – Focus on grazing algae. Leave shrimp alone.
• Reticulated hillstream loaches – Shrimp safe. Usually ignore tankmates.
• Yo-yo loaches – Become shrimp safe when small. Remove if grow over 4″.

Select docile loach varieties and aim for a larger group (6+) to spread aggression, Introduce the loaches after shrimp are established

Using Tank Setup to Deter Predation

While some loaches are less predatory, tank setup also plays a key role. Focus on the following:

• Plenty of plant cover – Floating, stem, carpet plants give shrimp shelter.
• Dense hides – Shrimp need cave-like hideouts and climbing plants.
• Dim lighting – Lowers loach activity and hunting ability. Use floating plants.
• Fine gravel or sand – Allows shrimp to bury and hide if chased.

By optimizing the environment, shrimp can use their speed and small size to evade predators.

Keeping Loach Size in Check

Most loaches grow quite large, which increases danger to shrimp. To keep loaches small:

• Select short species – Zebra, dwarf chain, pygmy chain loaches stay under 4-5″.
• Buy young loaches – Easier to manage when small. Grow slowly in mature tanks.
• Limit food – Don’t overfeed. Fasting 1-2 days per week controls size.
• Increase activity – Add loach caves and hideouts to encourage movement.

Monitor growth rates. Move overly large loaches to separate tanks.

Supplementing Diet to Prevent Predation

Well-fed loaches are less likely to hunt shrimp. Provide a variety of loach-safe foods:

• Algae wafers – Sinking wafers for bottom feeders.
• Frozen foods – Bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp. Use feeding tongs.
• Vegetables – Blanched zucchini, cucumbers, shelled peas.
• Protein pellets – For omnivores. Soak before feeding.
• Live foods – Blackworms, side swimmers, scuds.

Feed 2-3 times daily in small portions. Vary diet for nutritional balance. Observe loaches during feedings and remove uneaten food.

Introducing Shrimp to Established Loach Tanks

Adding shrimp to an existing loach tank is possible but risky. Some recommendations:

• Choose the largest shrimp – Amanos, vampires less likely to be eaten.
• Acclimate slowly – Let shrimp become active before releasing. Dim lights.
• Add lots of cover – Extra plants, caves, moss for initial days.
• Monitor constantly – Watch loach reactions. Rescue stressed shrimp.
• Have backup tank – Be ready to remove shrimp if aggression arises.

Go slow and be prepared to separate shrimp if needed.

Culling Excess Shrimp Populations

In heavily planted tanks, shrimp may breed rapidly. As populations boom, loaches are more likely to find meals. Thin shrimp numbers by:

• Removing adults and juveniles with nets.
• Introducing shrimp-safe fish like tetras or rasboras.
• Adding additional tank cleaners like snails or plecos.
• Transferring excess shrimp to a new tank.

Keeping shrimp numbers in check reduces predatory interest from loaches.

Key Considerations for Loach and Shrimp Cohabitation

While challenging, housing loaches with shrimp is possible with care. Keep these factors in mind:

• Select docile loach varieties under 4-5″ maximum size.
• Maximize plant cover, caves and hiding spots in the tank.
• Supplement loach diet so they are less likely to hunt shrimp.
• Monitor all new introductions and remove aggression promptly.
• Maintain shrimp populations through culling rather than breeding.

With close observation, an appropriately sized tank, and proper diet, loaches and shrimp can safely coexist in home aquariums.