Can Dickfeld's Julie and Tiger Shrimp Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Dickfeld's Julie and Tiger Shrimp are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Dickfeld's Julie

Julidochromis dickfeldi

Tiger Shrimp

Caridina mariae

🐠Family Group
Dickfeld's Julie
Cichlids - African
Tiger Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Dickfeld's Julie
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Tiger Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dickfeld's Julie
23–27°C
Tiger Shrimp
20–25°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Dickfeld's Julie
8–9
Tiger Shrimp
6–7.4
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Dickfeld's Julie
10–25
Tiger Shrimp
4–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dickfeld's Julie
Freshwater Only
Tiger Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dickfeld's Julie
Moderate
Tiger Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Dickfeld's Julie
75 L
Tiger Shrimp
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Dickfeld's Julie
BottomMiddle
Tiger Shrimp
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dickfeld's Julie
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shrimp EaterFry Predator
Tiger Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dickfeld's Julie and Tiger Shrimp?

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.

Dickfeld's Julie
Tiger Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Dickfeld's Julie is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Tiger Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Dickfeld's Julie may occasionally assert dominance over Tiger Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Dickfeld's Julie and Tiger Shrimp increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Dickfeld's Julie and Tiger Shrimp 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Dickfeld's Julie (8–9) and Tiger Shrimp (6–7.4) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Dickfeld's Julie needs 10–25 dGH while Tiger Shrimp requires 4–8 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Dickfeld's Julie and Tiger Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 75 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: Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Dickfeld's Julie and Tiger Shrimp are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Dickfeld's Julie and Tiger Shrimp.

Show 15 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Dickfeld's Julie is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Tiger Shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dickfeld's Julie and Tiger Shrimp live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Dickfeld's Julie and Tiger Shrimp need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 75 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 Dickfeld's Julie and Tiger Shrimp together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 25°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Dickfeld's Julie or Tiger Shrimp aggressive?

Dickfeld's Julie is moderately assertive (6/10) and Tiger Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Dickfeld's Julie and Tiger Shrimp need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Dickfeld's Julie prefers 8–9, while Tiger Shrimp needs 6–7.4. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Dickfeld's Julie's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Dickfeld's Julie space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

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
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