Can Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Humpbacked Limia Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Humpbacked Limia 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 (Crystal Red / Black)

Caridina cantonensis

Humpbacked Limia

Limia nigrofasciata

🐠Family Group
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Invertebrates
Humpbacked Limia
Livebearers
Temperament
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Peaceful (0/10)
Humpbacked Limia
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
18–24°C
Humpbacked Limia
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
5.5–6.8
Humpbacked Limia
7.2–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
3–6
Humpbacked Limia
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Freshwater Only
Humpbacked Limia
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Low
Humpbacked Limia
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
19 L
Humpbacked Limia
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
BottomMiddle
Humpbacked Limia
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Humpbacked Limia
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Humpbacked Limia?

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 (Crystal Red / Black)
Humpbacked Limia
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) is a peaceful species (0/10), while Humpbacked Limia is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Humpbacked Limia may occasionally assert dominance over Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black).

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Humpbacked Limia both frequent the 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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) (5.5–6.8) and Humpbacked Limia (7.2–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) needs 3–6 dGH while Humpbacked Limia requires 10–25 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Humpbacked Limia together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 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, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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 (Crystal Red / Black) and Humpbacked Limia 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 (Crystal Red / Black) and Humpbacked Limia.

Show 17 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Humpbacked Limia 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 Humpbacked Limia need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Humpbacked Limia together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 24°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) or Humpbacked Limia aggressive?

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) is peaceful (0/10) and Humpbacked Limia is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Humpbacked Limia need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) prefers 5.5–6.8, while Humpbacked Limia needs 7.2–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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