Can Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) Live Together?

Banded Archerfish (Brackish) is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Banded Archerfish (Brackish) may occasionally assert dominance over Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black).

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Banded Archerfish (Brackish) prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) occupies the Bottom (Substrate) and Middle (Open Water) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Banded Archerfish (Brackish) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Banded Archerfish (Brackish) (7–8.5) 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: Banded Archerfish (Brackish) needs 15–30 dGH while Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) requires 3–6 dGH.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

To house Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 360 litres with a minimum length of 120 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: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Soil / Nutrient Rich, Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Banded Archerfish (Brackish) requires Sand (Sifters), while Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich. These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. 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.