Can Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and American Grass Shrimp Live Together?

Not Recommended

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and American Grass Shrimp are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera

Aequidens sp. 'Jenaro Herrera'

American Grass Shrimp

Palaemonetes kadiakensis

🐠Family Group
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
Cichlids - South American
American Grass Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
American Grass Shrimp
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
24–28Β°C
American Grass Shrimp
15–28Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
6–7.5
American Grass Shrimp
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
2–12
American Grass Shrimp
4–15
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
Freshwater Only
American Grass Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
Moderate
American Grass Shrimp
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
200 L
American Grass Shrimp
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
MiddleBottom
American Grass Shrimp
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
Territorial (Defends specific area)Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Fry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
American Grass Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry PredatorJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and American Grass Shrimp?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
American Grass Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while American Grass Shrimp is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Aequidens Jenaro Herrera may occasionally assert dominance over American Grass Shrimp.

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and American Grass Shrimp both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other β€” piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Worth noting: American Grass Shrimp is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and American Grass Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and American Grass Shrimp.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and American Grass Shrimp live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities β€” such as critical behavioural conflicts β€” make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and American Grass Shrimp need?

A minimum of 200 litres (tank length at least 120 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and American Grass Shrimp together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. A target of around 26.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Aequidens Jenaro Herrera or American Grass Shrimp aggressive?

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera is moderately assertive (5/10) and American Grass Shrimp is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and American Grass Shrimp need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Aequidens Jenaro Herrera's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Aequidens Jenaro Herrera space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding dΓ©cor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


Related Comparisons

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera & Bahia Red

Β·

Possible with Caution
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera: PeacefulBahia Red: Peaceful

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera & Banded Cichlid

Β·

Possible with Caution
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera: PeacefulBanded Cichlid: Peaceful

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera & Barlow's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma MaulbrΓΌter)

Β·

Possible with Caution
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera: PeacefulBarlow's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma MaulbrΓΌter): Peaceful

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera & Blue Acara

Β·

Possible with Caution
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera: PeacefulBlue Acara: Peaceful

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera & Chocolate Cichlid

Β·

Possible with Caution
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera: PeacefulChocolate Cichlid: Peaceful

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera & Oscar

Β·

Possible with Caution
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera: PeacefulOscar: Peaceful

American Grass Shrimp & Amano Shrimp

Β·

Ideal Tank Mates
American Grass Shrimp: PeacefulAmano Shrimp: Peaceful

American Grass Shrimp & Apple Snail

Β·

Possible with Caution
American Grass Shrimp: PeacefulApple Snail: Peaceful

American Grass Shrimp & Bamboo Shrimp

Β·

Possible with Caution
American Grass Shrimp: PeacefulBamboo Shrimp: Peaceful

American Grass Shrimp & Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)

Β·

Possible with Caution
American Grass Shrimp: PeacefulBee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black): Peaceful

American Grass Shrimp & Bladder Snail (Pest Snail)

Β·

Ideal Tank Mates
American Grass Shrimp: PeacefulBladder Snail (Pest Snail): Peaceful

American Grass Shrimp & Blue Pearl Shrimp

Β·

Ideal Tank Mates
American Grass Shrimp: PeacefulBlue Pearl Shrimp: Peaceful