Can Amano Shrimp and Midnight Catfish Live Together?

Amano Shrimp is a peaceful species (1/10), while Midnight Catfish is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Midnight Catfish may occasionally assert dominance over Amano Shrimp.

Amano Shrimp and Midnight Catfish 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.

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

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. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Midnight Catfish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Amano Shrimp is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 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 4–14 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Amano Shrimp and Midnight Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 80 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, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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.

Amano Shrimp and Midnight Catfish 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.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Midnight Catfish is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Amano Shrimp. Amano Shrimp is an aggressive eater that may prevent Midnight Catfish 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 Midnight Catfish receives an adequate share.