Can Cherry Shrimp and Turquoise Rainbowfish Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Cherry Shrimp and Turquoise Rainbowfish 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 192 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Turquoise Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia lacustris

🐠Family Group
Cherry Shrimp
Invertebrates
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Cherry Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Cherry Shrimp
18–28°C
Turquoise Rainbowfish
20–25°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Cherry Shrimp
6.5–8
Turquoise Rainbowfish
7–9
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Cherry Shrimp
6–15
Turquoise Rainbowfish
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Cherry Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Cherry Shrimp
Low
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 192 L
Cherry Shrimp
19 L
Turquoise Rainbowfish
160 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Cherry Shrimp
BottomMiddle
Turquoise Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Cherry Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Turquoise Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)

Behaviour & Temperament

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

Cherry Shrimp and Turquoise 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: Turquoise Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 20°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 22.5°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. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Cherry Shrimp and Turquoise Rainbowfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 192 litres with a minimum length of 120 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: Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - lighly covered. 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cherry Shrimp and Turquoise Rainbowfish live together?

Yes. Cherry Shrimp and Turquoise Rainbowfish 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 Turquoise Rainbowfish need?

A minimum of 192 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 Cherry Shrimp and Turquoise Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 25°C. A target of around 22.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Cherry Shrimp or Turquoise Rainbowfish aggressive?

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

What pH do Cherry Shrimp and Turquoise Rainbowfish 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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