Can Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) Live Together?
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) 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
Behaviour & Temperament
Both Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) 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 (Crystal Red / Black) 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 18°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 21.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) (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 (Crystal Red / Black) needs 3–6 dGH while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) requires 8–25 dGH. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.
Tank Setup
To house Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 23 litres with a minimum length of 30 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). 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 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.
Find the right tank equipment
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Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) 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 (Crystal Red / Black) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) need?
A minimum of 23 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 (Crystal Red / Black) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) together?
Keep the aquarium between 18°C and 24°C. A target of around 21.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) or Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) aggressive?
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) 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 (Crystal Red / Black) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) 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.
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