Can Celebes Rainbowfish and Cherry Shrimp Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Celebes Rainbowfish and Cherry Shrimp are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 90 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Celebes Rainbowfish

Marosatherina ladigesi

Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

🐠Family Group
Celebes Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Cherry Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Celebes Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Cherry Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
22–28°C
Cherry Shrimp
18–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
7–8.5
Cherry Shrimp
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
10–25
Cherry Shrimp
6–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
Brackish Tolerant
Cherry Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Celebes Rainbowfish
Moderate
Cherry Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 90 L
Celebes Rainbowfish
75 L
Cherry Shrimp
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Celebes Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Cherry Shrimp
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celebes Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Cherry Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer

Behaviour & Temperament

Celebes Rainbowfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Cherry Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Celebes Rainbowfish may occasionally assert dominance over Cherry Shrimp.

Celebes Rainbowfish and Cherry Shrimp 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: Celebes Rainbowfish 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 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Celebes Rainbowfish and Cherry Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 90 litres with a minimum length of 60 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: Plants - lighly covered, Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Celebes Rainbowfish and Cherry Shrimp live together?

Yes. Celebes Rainbowfish and Cherry Shrimp are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Celebes Rainbowfish and Cherry Shrimp need?

A minimum of 90 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Celebes Rainbowfish and Cherry Shrimp together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Celebes Rainbowfish or Cherry Shrimp aggressive?

Celebes Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Cherry Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Celebes Rainbowfish and Cherry Shrimp need?

Both species overlap in the 7–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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