Can Brown Camo Shrimp and Silver Flying Fox Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Brown Camo Shrimp and Silver Flying Fox 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

Silver Flying Fox

Crossocheilus reticulatus

🐠Family Group
Brown Camo Shrimp
Invertebrates
Silver Flying Fox
Cyprinids
Temperament
Brown Camo Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Silver Flying Fox
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Brown Camo Shrimp
22–28°C
Silver Flying Fox
20–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Brown Camo Shrimp
6.5–7.8
Silver Flying Fox
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Brown Camo Shrimp
4–12
Silver Flying Fox
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Brown Camo Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Silver Flying Fox
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Brown Camo Shrimp
Low
Silver Flying Fox
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Brown Camo Shrimp
19 L
Silver Flying Fox
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Brown Camo Shrimp
BottomMiddle
Silver Flying Fox
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Brown Camo Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Silver Flying Fox
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Brown Camo Shrimp and Silver Flying Fox?

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
Silver Flying Fox
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Behaviour & Temperament

Brown Camo Shrimp is a peaceful species (0/10), while Silver Flying Fox is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Silver Flying Fox may occasionally assert dominance over Brown Camo Shrimp.

Brown Camo Shrimp and Silver Flying Fox 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.

Worth noting: Silver Flying Fox is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. 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.

Tank Setup

To house Brown Camo Shrimp and Silver Flying Fox 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Brown Camo Shrimp prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Silver Flying Fox 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 Silver Flying Fox 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 Silver Flying Fox.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Brown Camo Shrimp and Silver Flying Fox 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 Silver Flying Fox 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 Silver Flying Fox together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 26°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Brown Camo Shrimp or Silver Flying Fox aggressive?

Brown Camo Shrimp is peaceful (0/10) and Silver Flying Fox is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Brown Camo Shrimp and Silver Flying Fox need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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