Can Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Blind Cave Tetra Live Together?

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) is a peaceful species (0/10), while Blind Cave Tetra is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This notable difference means Blind Cave Tetra may occasionally assert dominance over Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black).

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Blind Cave Tetra both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) and Middle (Open Water) 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: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Aggressive eaters may outcompete shy fish for food, leading to malnutrition.

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.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 6.8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) needs 3–6 dGH while Blind Cave Tetra requires 8–20 dGH. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

To house Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Blind Cave Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 132 litres with a minimum length of 80 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: Soil / Nutrient Rich, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Established Algae (Otocinclus), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich, while Blind Cave Tetra requires Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Blind Cave Tetra is an aggressive eater that may prevent Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) from getting enough food.

Because Blind Cave Tetra is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) receives an adequate share.