Can Brown Camo Shrimp and Price's Rainbowfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 3, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Brown Camo Shrimp and Price's Rainbowfish together is possible but requires caution due to mismatched flow preferences. Provide a spacious tank of at least 200 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Brown Camo Shrimp

Caridina babaulti var. Brown

Price's Rainbowfish

Chilatherina pricei

🐠Family Group
Brown Camo Shrimp
Invertebrates
Price's Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Brown Camo Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Price's Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Brown Camo Shrimp
22–28°C
Price's Rainbowfish
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Brown Camo Shrimp
6.5–7.8
Price's Rainbowfish
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Brown Camo Shrimp
4–12
Price's Rainbowfish
8–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Brown Camo Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Price's Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Brown Camo Shrimp
Low
Price's Rainbowfish
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Brown Camo Shrimp
19 L
Price's Rainbowfish
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Brown Camo Shrimp
BottomMiddle
Price's Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Brown Camo Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Price's Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Brown Camo Shrimp and Price's Rainbowfish?

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.

Brown Camo Shrimp
Price's Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Brown Camo Shrimp is a peaceful species (0/10), while Price's Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Price's Rainbowfish may occasionally assert dominance over Brown Camo Shrimp.

Brown Camo Shrimp and Price's Rainbowfish 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.

Worth noting: Price's Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 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 8–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Brown Camo Shrimp and Price's Rainbowfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Brown Camo Shrimp prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Price's Rainbowfish needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Why This Pairing Needs Extra Planning in Practice

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Brown Camo Shrimp and Price's Rainbowfish 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Brown Camo Shrimp and Price's Rainbowfish.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Brown Camo Shrimp and Price's Rainbowfish live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 200 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Brown Camo Shrimp and Price's Rainbowfish need?

A minimum of 200 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 Brown Camo Shrimp and Price's Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Brown Camo Shrimp or Price's Rainbowfish aggressive?

Brown Camo Shrimp is peaceful (0/10) and Price's Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Brown Camo Shrimp and Price's Rainbowfish need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 3, 2026
Last updated
May 3, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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