Can Brown Camo Shrimp and Chanchito Live Together?

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

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Brown Camo Shrimp and Chanchito increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Brown Camo Shrimp and Chanchito 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.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Brown Camo Shrimp and Chanchito to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations. A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Brown Camo Shrimp and Chanchito together, plan for an aquarium of at least 150 litres with a minimum length of 90 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Established Algae (Otocinclus), Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Chanchito is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Brown Camo Shrimp'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.

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Brown Camo Shrimp and Chanchito need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.