Can Banded Chromide and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) Live Together?
Banded Chromide and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Banded Chromide and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi)?
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.
Behaviour & Temperament
Banded Chromide is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Banded Chromide may occasionally assert dominance over Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi).
Banded Chromide and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) 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 30°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 28.0°C) for optimal comfort.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
Hardness requirements are incompatible: Banded Chromide needs 10–25 dGH while Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) requires 4–8 dGH.
Tank Setup
To house Banded Chromide and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 450 litres with a minimum length of 150 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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
Banded Chromide and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) 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 Banded Chromide and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi).
Diet & Feeding
Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Banded Chromide is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Banded Chromide and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Banded Chromide and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) need?
A minimum of 450 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Banded Chromide and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) together?
Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 30°C. A target of around 28.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Banded Chromide or Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) aggressive?
Banded Chromide is moderately assertive (5/10) and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) is peaceful (0/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Banded Chromide and Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) need?
Both species overlap in the 7.5–8.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
How do I manage Banded Chromide's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Banded Chromide 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.
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 3, 2026
- Last updated
- May 3, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
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