Can Apistogramma Mamoré and Orange Delight Shrimp Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Apistogramma Mamoré and Orange Delight Shrimp are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Apistogramma Mamoré

Apistogramma erythrura

Orange Delight Shrimp

Caridina loehae

🐠Family Group
Apistogramma Mamoré
Cichlids - South American
Orange Delight Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Apistogramma Mamoré
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Orange Delight Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
24–28°C
Orange Delight Shrimp
26–29°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Apistogramma Mamoré
5–7
Orange Delight Shrimp
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
1–8
Orange Delight Shrimp
4–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
Freshwater Only
Orange Delight Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
Low
Orange Delight Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 60 L
Apistogramma Mamoré
60 L
Orange Delight Shrimp
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Apistogramma Mamoré
BottomMiddle
Orange Delight Shrimp
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Apistogramma Mamoré
Territorial (Defends specific area)Shrimp EaterDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Orange Delight Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Apistogramma Mamoré and Orange Delight Shrimp?

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.

Apistogramma Mamoré
Orange Delight Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Apistogramma Mamoré is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Orange Delight Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Apistogramma Mamoré may occasionally assert dominance over Orange Delight Shrimp.

Apistogramma Mamoré and Orange Delight Shrimp both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) 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: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 26°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Apistogramma Mamoré (5–7) and Orange Delight Shrimp (7.5–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Apistogramma Mamoré and Orange Delight Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 60 litres with a minimum length of 60 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: Sand (Sifters), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Apistogramma Mamoré and Orange Delight Shrimp 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 Apistogramma Mamoré and Orange Delight Shrimp.

Show 19 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Apistogramma Mamoré is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Orange Delight Shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apistogramma Mamoré and Orange Delight Shrimp live together?

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

What size tank do Apistogramma Mamoré and Orange Delight Shrimp need?

A minimum of 60 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Apistogramma Mamoré and Orange Delight Shrimp together?

Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 28°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Apistogramma Mamoré or Orange Delight Shrimp aggressive?

Apistogramma Mamoré is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Orange Delight Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Apistogramma Mamoré and Orange Delight Shrimp need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Apistogramma Mamoré prefers 5–7, while Orange Delight Shrimp needs 7.5–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Apistogramma Mamoré's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Apistogramma Mamoré 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 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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