Can American Grass Shrimp and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping American Grass Shrimp and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 19 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

American Grass Shrimp

Palaemonetes kadiakensis

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)

Caridina cantonensis

🐟Family Group
American Grass Shrimp
Invertebrates
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Invertebrates
Temperament
American Grass Shrimp
Peaceful (1/10)
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
15–28°C
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
18–24°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
6.5–8
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
5.5–6.8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
4–15
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
3–6
Water Type
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
Moderate
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 19 L
American Grass Shrimp
19 L
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
American Grass Shrimp
BottomMiddle
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
American Grass Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry PredatorJumper (Lid Required)
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle American Grass Shrimp and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)?

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.

American Grass Shrimp
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

American Grass Shrimp is a peaceful species (1/10), while Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means American Grass Shrimp may occasionally assert dominance over Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black).

American Grass Shrimp and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) 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.

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

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 18°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 21.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 6.8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–6 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house American Grass Shrimp and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 19 litres with a minimum length of 30 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: Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Soil / Nutrient Rich, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both American Grass Shrimp and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black).

Show 27 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can American Grass Shrimp and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 19 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do American Grass Shrimp and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) need?

A minimum of 19 litres (tank length at least 30 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 American Grass Shrimp and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) together?

Keep the aquarium between 18°C and 24°C. A target of around 21.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are American Grass Shrimp or Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) aggressive?

American Grass Shrimp is peaceful (1/10) and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do American Grass Shrimp and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–6.8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


Related Comparisons

American Grass Shrimp & Amano Shrimp

·

Ideal Tank Mates
American Grass Shrimp: PeacefulAmano Shrimp: Peaceful

American Grass Shrimp & Apple Snail

·

Possible with Caution
American Grass Shrimp: PeacefulApple Snail: Peaceful

American Grass Shrimp & Bamboo Shrimp

·

Possible with Caution
American Grass Shrimp: PeacefulBamboo Shrimp: Peaceful

American Grass Shrimp & Bladder Snail (Pest Snail)

·

Ideal Tank Mates
American Grass Shrimp: PeacefulBladder Snail (Pest Snail): Peaceful

American Grass Shrimp & Blue Pearl Shrimp

·

Ideal Tank Mates
American Grass Shrimp: PeacefulBlue Pearl Shrimp: Peaceful

American Grass Shrimp & Brown Camo Shrimp

·

Ideal Tank Mates
American Grass Shrimp: PeacefulBrown Camo Shrimp: Peaceful

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) & Cherry Shrimp

·

Possible with Caution
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black): PeacefulCherry Shrimp: Peaceful

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) & Mystery Snail

·

Not Recommended
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black): PeacefulMystery Snail: Peaceful

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) & Ramshorn Snail

·

Not Recommended
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black): PeacefulRamshorn Snail: Peaceful

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) & Assassin Snail

·

Not Recommended
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black): PeacefulAssassin Snail: Peaceful

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) & Bee Shrimp

·

Possible with Caution
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black): PeacefulBee Shrimp: Peaceful

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) & Ghost Shrimp

·

Possible with Caution
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black): PeacefulGhost Shrimp: Peaceful