Can Amano Shrimp and Mottled Loach Live Together?

Amano Shrimp is a peaceful species (1/10), while Mottled Loach is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Mottled Loach may occasionally assert dominance over Amano Shrimp.

Amano Shrimp and Mottled Loach both frequent the 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

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

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Amano Shrimp and Mottled Loach to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 20°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.0°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 4–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Amano Shrimp and Mottled Loach together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 90 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered, Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), 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.

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Amano Shrimp and Mottled Loach need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Mottled Loach is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Amano Shrimp.

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