Can Amano Shrimp and Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Amano Shrimp and Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)

Placidochromis electra

🐠Family Group
Amano Shrimp
Invertebrates
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Amano Shrimp
Peaceful (1/10)
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
18–28°C
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Amano Shrimp
6–7.5
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
4–14
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
Moderate
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 280 L
Amano Shrimp
38 L
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
280 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Amano Shrimp
BottomMiddle
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Amano Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Territorial (Defends specific area)Fry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Amano Shrimp and Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)?

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.

Amano Shrimp
Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Amano Shrimp is a peaceful species (1/10), while Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) is moderately assertive (5/10). This notable difference means Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) may occasionally assert dominance over Amano Shrimp.

Amano Shrimp and Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) and Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

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

Water Parameters

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

The pH requirements of Amano Shrimp (6–7.5) and Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–14 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Amano Shrimp and Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 280 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: Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered, Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Amano Shrimp and Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Amano Shrimp and Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra).

Show 1 more tank size

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Amano Shrimp and Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) live together?

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

What size tank do Amano Shrimp and Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) need?

A minimum of 280 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 Amano Shrimp and Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) together?

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

Are Amano Shrimp or Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) aggressive?

Amano Shrimp is peaceful (1/10) and Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) is moderately assertive (5/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Amano Shrimp and Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Amano Shrimp prefers 6–7.5, while Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Deep Water Hap (Placidochromis electra) space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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