Can Betta Macrostoma and Vampire Shrimp Live Together?

Betta Macrostoma is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Vampire Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Betta Macrostoma may occasionally assert dominance over Vampire Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Betta Macrostoma and Vampire Shrimp increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Betta Macrostoma and Vampire Shrimp 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: Vampire Shrimp is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Betta Macrostoma is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Betta Macrostoma (4–6) and Vampire Shrimp (6.5–7.8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Betta Macrostoma needs 0–5 dGH while Vampire Shrimp requires 6–15 dGH.

To house Betta Macrostoma and Vampire Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 80 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: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Betta Macrostoma prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Vampire Shrimp needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Betta Macrostoma and Vampire Shrimp 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.