Can Bamboo Shrimp and Keyhole Cichlid Live Together?

Bamboo Shrimp is a peaceful species (0/10), while Keyhole Cichlid is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Keyhole Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Bamboo Shrimp.

Bamboo Shrimp and Keyhole Cichlid both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and 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.

Worth noting: Bamboo Shrimp is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°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 6–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Bamboo Shrimp and Keyhole Cichlid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 80 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: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Bamboo Shrimp prefers High (River/Stream) flow while Keyhole Cichlid needs Low (Still Water) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.