Can American Grass Shrimp and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

American Grass Shrimp and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) 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

Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)

Pangasius nasutus

🐠Family Group
American Grass Shrimp
Invertebrates
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Catfish
Temperament
American Grass Shrimp
Peaceful (1/10)
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
15–28°C
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
6.5–8
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
4–15
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
American Grass Shrimp
Moderate
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 4000 L
American Grass Shrimp
19 L
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
4000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
American Grass Shrimp
BottomMiddle
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
American Grass Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry PredatorJumper (Lid Required)
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle American Grass Shrimp and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)?

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
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

American Grass Shrimp is a peaceful species (1/10), while Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) may occasionally assert dominance over American Grass Shrimp.

American Grass Shrimp and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) 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 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 Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 4000 litres with a minimum length of 300 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, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters). 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 Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can American Grass Shrimp and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) 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 Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) need?

A minimum of 4000 litres (tank length at least 300 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 Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) 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 Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) aggressive?

American Grass Shrimp is peaceful (1/10) and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do American Grass Shrimp and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) 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 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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