Can Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Green Terror Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Green Terror are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. 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 (Crystal Red / Black)

Caridina cantonensis

Green Terror

Andinoacara rivulatus

🐠Family Group
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Invertebrates
Green Terror
Cichlids - South American
Temperament
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Peaceful (0/10)
Green Terror
Aggressive (8/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
18–24°C
Green Terror
20–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
5.5–6.8
Green Terror
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
3–6
Green Terror
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Freshwater Only
Green Terror
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Low
Green Terror
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 240 L
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
19 L
Green Terror
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
BottomMiddle
Green Terror
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Green Terror
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant Destroyer

Behaviour & Temperament

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) is a peaceful species (0/10), while Green Terror is semi-aggressive (8/10). This notable difference means Green Terror may occasionally assert dominance over Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black).

Large aggression gap (8 points) between Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Green Terror increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Green Terror 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.

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

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Aggressive fish may bully and stress shy, slow-moving species.

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.

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.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–6 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Green Terror together, plan for an aquarium of at least 240 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: Soil / Nutrient Rich, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Established Algae (Otocinclus), Sand (Sifters), 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 Green Terror requires Sand (Sifters). These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich, while Green Terror requires Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Green Terror is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)'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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Green Terror live together?

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

What size tank do Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Green Terror need?

A minimum of 240 litres (tank length at least 120 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 (Crystal Red / Black) and Green Terror 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 (Crystal Red / Black) or Green Terror aggressive?

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) is peaceful (0/10) and Green Terror is semi-aggressive (8/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Green Terror need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–6.8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Green Terror's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Green Terror 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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