Can American Grass Shrimp and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 2, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, American Grass Shrimp and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 38 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

American Grass Shrimp

Palaemonetes kadiakensis

Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye

Pseudomugil gertrudae

🐠Family Group
American Grass Shrimp
Invertebrates
Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye
Rainbowfish
Temperament
American Grass Shrimp
Peaceful (1/10)
Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
15–28°C
Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye
21–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
6.5–8
Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
4–15
Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
Moderate
Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 38 L
American Grass Shrimp
19 L
Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
American Grass Shrimp
BottomMiddle
Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
American Grass Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry PredatorJumper (Lid Required)
Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle American Grass Shrimp and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye?

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
Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

American Grass Shrimp is a peaceful species (1/10), while Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye may occasionally assert dominance over American Grass Shrimp.

American Grass Shrimp and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye both frequent the 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: 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 21°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 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 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house American Grass Shrimp and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye together, plan for an aquarium of at least 38 litres with a minimum length of 45 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, Plants - Floating. 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 Works in Practice

American Grass Shrimp and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both American Grass Shrimp and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye.

Show 22 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can American Grass Shrimp and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye live together?

Yes. American Grass Shrimp and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do American Grass Shrimp and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye need?

A minimum of 38 litres (tank length at least 45 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 Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye together?

Keep the aquarium between 21°C and 28°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are American Grass Shrimp or Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye aggressive?

American Grass Shrimp is peaceful (1/10) and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do American Grass Shrimp and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 2, 2026
Last updated
May 2, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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