Can Amano Shrimp and Golden Julie Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Amano Shrimp and Golden Julie 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

Golden Julie

Julidochromis ornatus

🐠Family Group
Amano Shrimp
Invertebrates
Golden Julie
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Amano Shrimp
Peaceful (1/10)
Golden Julie
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
18–28°C
Golden Julie
23–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Amano Shrimp
6–7.5
Golden Julie
8–9
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
4–14
Golden Julie
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Golden Julie
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
Moderate
Golden Julie
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Amano Shrimp
38 L
Golden Julie
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Amano Shrimp
BottomMiddle
Golden Julie
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Amano Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Golden Julie
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Amano Shrimp and Golden Julie?

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
Golden Julie
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Amano Shrimp is a peaceful species (1/10), while Golden Julie is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Golden Julie may occasionally assert dominance over Amano Shrimp.

Amano Shrimp and Golden Julie 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Aggressive eaters may outcompete shy fish for food, leading to malnutrition.

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 23°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Amano Shrimp (6–7.5) and Golden Julie (8–9) 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 Golden Julie together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 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). 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 Golden Julie 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 Golden Julie.

Show 17 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Amano Shrimp is an aggressive eater that may prevent Golden Julie from getting enough food.

Because Amano Shrimp is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Golden Julie receives an adequate share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Amano Shrimp and Golden Julie 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 Golden Julie need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Golden Julie together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Amano Shrimp or Golden Julie aggressive?

Amano Shrimp is peaceful (1/10) and Golden Julie is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Amano Shrimp and Golden Julie need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Amano Shrimp prefers 6–7.5, while Golden Julie needs 8–9. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Golden Julie's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Golden Julie 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 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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