Can Bee Shrimp and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 1, 2026
Not Recommended

Bee Shrimp and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and 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

Bee Shrimp

Caridina logemanni

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)

Melanoides tuberculata

🐟Family Group
Bee Shrimp
Invertebrates
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Invertebrates
Temperament
Bee Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Bee Shrimp
20–24°C
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
18–32°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Bee Shrimp
5.5–6.8
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Bee Shrimp
3–6
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
8–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Bee Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Bee Shrimp
Low
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 19 L
Bee Shrimp
19 L
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
5 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Bee Shrimp
Bottom
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Bee Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Nocturnal
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Bee Shrimp and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)?

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.

Bee Shrimp
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Bee Shrimp and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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.

Bee Shrimp and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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.

Worth noting: Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

Water Parameters

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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) (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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) requires 8–25 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Bee Shrimp and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 19 litres with a minimum length of 30 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, Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Bee Shrimp requires Soil / Nutrient Rich, while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) requires Sand (Sifters). These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Bee Shrimp and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 Bee Shrimp and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).

Show 27 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bee Shrimp and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Bee Shrimp and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) need?

A minimum of 19 litres (tank length at least 30 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 Bee Shrimp and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 24°C. A target of around 22.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Bee Shrimp or Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) aggressive?

Bee Shrimp is peaceful (0/10) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Bee Shrimp and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Bee Shrimp prefers 5.5–6.8, while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) needs 7–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

Does Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) during evening hours.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 1, 2026
Last updated
May 1, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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