Can Apple Snail and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) Live Together?

Both Apple Snail and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) are peaceful species with an aggression score of 0/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Apple Snail and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Aggressive eaters may outcompete shy fish for food, leading to malnutrition.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 20°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 22.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Apple Snail (7.2–8.5) and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) (5.5–6.8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Apple Snail needs 8–25 dGH while Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) requires 3–6 dGH. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

To house Apple Snail and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 180 litres with a minimum length of 90 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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: Established Algae (Otocinclus), Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Soil / Nutrient Rich, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Apple Snail is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)'s requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

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

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Apple Snail is an aggressive eater that may prevent Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) from getting enough food.

Because Apple Snail is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) receives an adequate share.