Can Bee Shrimp and Butterfly Goodeid Live Together?

Bee Shrimp is a peaceful species (0/10), while Butterfly Goodeid is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Butterfly Goodeid may occasionally assert dominance over Bee Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Bee Shrimp and Butterfly Goodeid increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Bee Shrimp prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Butterfly Goodeid occupies the Top (Surface) 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.

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

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 Bee Shrimp (5.5–6.8) and Butterfly Goodeid (7–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Bee Shrimp needs 3–6 dGH while Butterfly Goodeid requires 10–25 dGH.

To house Bee Shrimp and Butterfly Goodeid 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.

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

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Butterfly Goodeid is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Bee Shrimp'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.

Bee Shrimp and Butterfly Goodeid 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.