Can Cherry Shrimp and Popondetta Blue-eye Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Cherry Shrimp and Popondetta Blue-eye 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 55 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Popondetta Blue-eye

Pseudomugil connieae

🐠Family Group
Cherry Shrimp
Invertebrates
Popondetta Blue-eye
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Cherry Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Popondetta Blue-eye
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Cherry Shrimp
18–28°C
Popondetta Blue-eye
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Cherry Shrimp
6.5–8
Popondetta Blue-eye
7.2–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Cherry Shrimp
6–15
Popondetta Blue-eye
8–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Cherry Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Popondetta Blue-eye
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Cherry Shrimp
Low
Popondetta Blue-eye
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 55 L
Cherry Shrimp
19 L
Popondetta Blue-eye
55 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Cherry Shrimp
BottomMiddle
Popondetta Blue-eye
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Cherry Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Popondetta Blue-eye
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Cherry Shrimp and Popondetta Blue-eye?

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.

Cherry Shrimp
Popondetta Blue-eye
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Cherry Shrimp is a peaceful species (0/10), while Popondetta Blue-eye is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Popondetta Blue-eye may occasionally assert dominance over Cherry Shrimp.

Cherry Shrimp and Popondetta Blue-eye 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: Popondetta Blue-eye 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 7.2 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 8–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Cherry Shrimp and Popondetta Blue-eye together, plan for an aquarium of at least 55 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: Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Cherry Shrimp and Popondetta Blue-eye.

Show 20 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cherry Shrimp and Popondetta Blue-eye live together?

Yes. Cherry Shrimp and Popondetta Blue-eye are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Cherry Shrimp and Popondetta Blue-eye need?

A minimum of 55 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 Cherry Shrimp and Popondetta Blue-eye 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 Cherry Shrimp or Popondetta Blue-eye aggressive?

Cherry Shrimp is peaceful (0/10) and Popondetta Blue-eye is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Cherry Shrimp and Popondetta Blue-eye need?

Both species overlap in the 7.2–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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