Can American Grass Shrimp and Goldfish (Comet / Common) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping American Grass Shrimp and Goldfish (Comet / Common) together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 200 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

Goldfish (Comet / Common)

Carassius auratus

🐠Family Group
American Grass Shrimp
Invertebrates
Goldfish (Comet / Common)
Goldfish & Koi
Temperament
American Grass Shrimp
Peaceful (1/10)
Goldfish (Comet / Common)
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
15–28°C
Goldfish (Comet / Common)
10–24°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
6.5–8
Goldfish (Comet / Common)
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
4–15
Goldfish (Comet / Common)
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Goldfish (Comet / Common)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
Moderate
Goldfish (Comet / Common)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
American Grass Shrimp
19 L
Goldfish (Comet / Common)
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
American Grass Shrimp
BottomMiddle
Goldfish (Comet / Common)
TopMiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
American Grass Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry PredatorJumper (Lid Required)
Goldfish (Comet / Common)
Plant DestroyerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle American Grass Shrimp and Goldfish (Comet / Common)?

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
Goldfish (Comet / Common)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both American Grass Shrimp and Goldfish (Comet / Common) are peaceful species with an aggression score of 1/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

American Grass Shrimp and Goldfish (Comet / Common) 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: 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 15°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 19.5°C) for optimal comfort.

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

Tank Setup

To house American Grass Shrimp and Goldfish (Comet / Common) 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.

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, Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Goldfish (Comet / Common) is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with American Grass 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both American Grass Shrimp and Goldfish (Comet / Common).

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can American Grass Shrimp and Goldfish (Comet / Common) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 200 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do American Grass Shrimp and Goldfish (Comet / Common) 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 Goldfish (Comet / Common) together?

Keep the aquarium between 15°C and 24°C. A target of around 19.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are American Grass Shrimp or Goldfish (Comet / Common) aggressive?

American Grass Shrimp is peaceful (1/10) and Goldfish (Comet / Common) is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do American Grass Shrimp and Goldfish (Comet / Common) need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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