Will Pleco Eat Shrimp? What Every Aquarist Needs To Know

As an aquarium enthusiast who loves keeping both plecos and shrimp I often get asked – will pleco eat shrimp if I keep them together in the same tank?

It’s a great question that deserves a nuanced answer. In short, yes pleco can and will eat shrimp under certain conditions. However, with the right tank setup and species selection, plecos and shrimp can generally coexist without much problem.

In this detailed article I’ll provide 9 essential tips that covers everything you need to know about successfully keeping plecos with shrimp. Let’s dive right in!

1. Plecos vs Shrimp – Understanding Their Natural Behaviors

The first factor to consider is the natural behaviors of plecos and shrimp which will determine their compatibility:

Plecos

• Plecos are primarily nocturnal bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time grazing on algae in the tank.

• They can be somewhat territorial, especially when they find a preferred spot or cave in the tank.

• Plecos are more active at night which means they may disturb decorations and substrate while searching for food.

• They prefer shaded areas and hiding spots during the day when they are less active.

Shrimp

• Shrimp are small delicate creatures that constantly forage for food like algae and biofilm on surfaces.

• They can be quite shy initially and need ample hiding spots, especially when molting.

• Shrimp moult periodically and are extremely vulnerable during this phase, needing to hide in dens.

• They generally feel safer and exhibit more natural behaviors in larger groups or colonies.

As you can see, both species can be territorial but plecos pose a much bigger threat to shrimp due to their substantially larger size. Providing each species their needed spaces and requirements is key to reducing conflict.

2. Maintaining Optimal Water Parameters For Both

Since plecos and shrimp have slightly different water parameter needs, some compromise is required to keep both happy and healthy in the same tank:

• Temperature – Ideal range is 74°F – 78°F. Plecos like it a bit warmer while shrimp have a wider temperature tolerance.

• pH – Slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.5 – 7.5 tends to suit both species well.

• Water hardness – Aim for 6-10 dGH which caters to both plecos and common shrimp like Neocaridina and Caridina species.

• Ammonia, nitrites, nitrates – Must be kept at 0 ppm, 0 ppm, and < 20 ppm respectively, since both are highly sensitive.

Testing water parameters frequently and performing water changes whenever necessary is crucial to provide a safe environment for the two species.

3. Tank Size and Setup Considerations

Tank size and setup plays a huge role in minimizing territorial disputes between plecos and shrimp:

• For an adult common pleco which can grow to 24 inches, I recommend at least a 55 gallon tank. Smaller plecos like bristlenose need a minimum of 30 gallons.

• Include lots of hiding places – caves and rocky crevices for plecos and dense planting or moss for shrimp.

• Use a gentle filter and add pre-filter sponges to prevent baby shrimp from getting sucked in.

• Provide open swimming space for plecos along with shaded, covered areas that make shrimp feel secure.

• Supplement the substrate with some sand patches for plecos to dig into and fine gravel for shrimp.

• Ensure moderate lighting along with shaded zones – low to moderate lighting suits shrimp while plecos appreciate some shadowed areas.

4. Selecting Suitable Tank Mates

Choosing appropriate tank mates is vital to reduce aggression and competition for food and space:

• Small schooling fish like neon tetras, pencilfish and rasboras make ideal tank mates. They are peaceful, do not disturb shrimp and pose no competition to plecos.

• Bottom dwellers like pygmy corydoras and otocinclus catfish are excellent options as they share similar habitats and diets with plecos.

• Snails like nerites help eat excess algae and do not bother adult shrimp, though baby shrimp may get eaten.

• Avoid territorial or predatory fish like cichlids that may attack shrimp or compete with plecos for space and food.

5. Feeding Both Species Appropriately

Providing adequate nutrition reduces chances of plecos seeing shrimp as food:

• For plecos, use sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables and occasional meaty foods. Feed only what they can consume within 5 minutes 1-2 times daily.

• For shrimp, provide specialized shrimp pellets, blanched veggies, calcium-rich foods and grazing areas like moss. They forage constantly on biofilms and algae.

• Avoid overfeeding and remove uneaten food immediately to prevent fouling the water, which can be harmful to both plecos and shrimp.

6. Selecting Suitable Shrimp Species

Larger shrimp species are naturally better equipped to coexist with plecos compared to tiny ornamental varieties:

• Amano shrimp are a popular choice as they can grow up to 2 inches and are very hardy. Their size and speed makes them difficult prey.

• Vampire shrimp with their formidable claws and 3 inch size are left alone by most plecos except the really large varieties.

• Bamboo and flower shrimp being filter feeders stay out of the lower levels where plecos are generally found. Their bigger size also protects them.

• If keeping cherry or crystal shrimp, provide plenty of moss and hiding spaces for the babies and juvenile shrimp.

7. Choosing Appropriate Pleco Species

Avoid large aggressive plecos – go for the smaller, more docile species instead:

• Bristlenose plecos are an excellent choice, growing to just 4-6 inches. They mostly focus on eating algae.

• Clown plecos reach 3-4 inches only and prefer eating driftwood rather than hunting shrimp.

• Zebra plecos are very shrimp safe, being peaceful and not growing beyond 5 inches. But they are expensive!

• Common plecos, sailfin plecos, gibbiceps plecos and vampire plecos should generally be avoided with shrimp. Their huge size and carnivorous diet can pose a significant threat.

8. Introducing Shrimp to a Tank with Plecos

Use these tips to safely introduce shrimp to a pleco tank:

• First feed the plecos well before adding shrimp – this reduces their urge to hunt the new arrivals.

• Acclimate the shrimp slowly over an hour. Never dump them directly into the tank.

• Add shrimp at night when plecos are less active and shrimp can find hiding places with ease.

• Start with larger adult shrimp before adding any juveniles or babies.

• Monitor the tank closely for the first week. Remove any overly aggressive plecos.

• Have a backup tank ready in case the introductions don’t go well and the shrimp need to be separated.

9. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring

Performing frequent tank maintenance and observation helps nip any problems in the bud:

• Check water parameters regularly and conduct partial water changes whenever ammonia or nitrites start to climb.

• Clean the tank thoroughly but avoid disrupting all the hiding spots during a water change.

• Examine shrimp closely for any damage or nipped limbs. Remove offenders immediately.

• Supplement their diet with calcium-rich foods like blanched spinach to help during molting.

• Ensure the filter intake does not trap baby shrimp with pre-filter sponges.

• Reduce feeding if uneaten food accumulates, fouling the water quality.

While there is some risk involved, plecos and shrimp can generally coexist peacefully with proper species selection, tank setup, maintenance and feeding.

Pay close attention in the initial weeks after introducing shrimp to a pleco tank. Have backup plans in place just in case.

With a spacious, well-planned tank, both these magnificent creatures can live together happily, adding lots of activity and interest!