Can American Grass Shrimp and Electric Blue Hap Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

American Grass Shrimp and Electric Blue Hap are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

American Grass Shrimp

Palaemonetes kadiakensis

Electric Blue Hap

Sciaenochromis fryeri

🐠Family Group
American Grass Shrimp
Invertebrates
Electric Blue Hap
Cichlids - African
Temperament
American Grass Shrimp
Peaceful (1/10)
Electric Blue Hap
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
15–28°C
Electric Blue Hap
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
6.5–8
Electric Blue Hap
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
4–15
Electric Blue Hap
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Electric Blue Hap
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
Moderate
Electric Blue Hap
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
American Grass Shrimp
19 L
Electric Blue Hap
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
American Grass Shrimp
BottomMiddle
Electric Blue Hap
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
American Grass Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry PredatorJumper (Lid Required)
Electric Blue Hap
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Fry PredatorAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle American Grass Shrimp and Electric Blue Hap?

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
Electric Blue Hap
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

American Grass Shrimp is a peaceful species (1/10), while Electric Blue Hap is semi-aggressive (7/10). This notable difference means Electric Blue Hap may occasionally assert dominance over American Grass Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between American Grass Shrimp and Electric Blue Hap increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

American Grass Shrimp and Electric Blue Hap 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..

Worth noting: American Grass 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.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.8 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house American Grass Shrimp and Electric Blue Hap together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 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: Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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

American Grass Shrimp and Electric Blue Hap 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 American Grass Shrimp and Electric Blue Hap.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can American Grass Shrimp and Electric Blue Hap live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do American Grass Shrimp and Electric Blue Hap need?

A minimum of 200 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 American Grass Shrimp and Electric Blue Hap 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 American Grass Shrimp or Electric Blue Hap aggressive?

American Grass Shrimp is peaceful (1/10) and Electric Blue Hap 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 American Grass Shrimp and Electric Blue Hap need?

Both species overlap in the 7.8–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Electric Blue Hap's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Electric Blue Hap 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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