Can Amano Shrimp and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Amano Shrimp and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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

White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)

Cynotilapia sp. 'hara'

🐠Family Group
Amano Shrimp
Invertebrates
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Amano Shrimp
Peaceful (1/10)
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
18–28°C
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Amano Shrimp
6–7.5
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
4–14
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
Freshwater Only
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
Moderate
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 247 L
Amano Shrimp
38 L
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Amano Shrimp
BottomMiddle
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Amano Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerFry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Amano Shrimp and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)?

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
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Amano Shrimp is a peaceful species (1/10), while White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) is semi-aggressive (7/10). This notable difference means White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) may occasionally assert dominance over Amano Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Amano Shrimp and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Amano Shrimp and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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 White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) (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 White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 247 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). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Amano Shrimp's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

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 White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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 White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef).

Show 1 more tank size

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Amano Shrimp and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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 White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) need?

A minimum of 247 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 White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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 White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) aggressive?

Amano Shrimp is peaceful (1/10) and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) is semi-aggressive (7/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Amano Shrimp and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Amano Shrimp prefers 6–7.5, while White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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 4, 2026
Last updated
May 4, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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