Can Dourada and Red Goldflake Shrimp Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Dourada and Red Goldflake Shrimp are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Dourada

Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii

Red Goldflake Shrimp

Caridina sp. Red Goldflake

🐠Family Group
Dourada
Catfish
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Dourada
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dourada
24–29°C
Red Goldflake Shrimp
26–29°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Dourada
6–7.5
Red Goldflake Shrimp
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dourada
2–15
Red Goldflake Shrimp
4–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dourada
Freshwater Only
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Dourada
High
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 15000 L
Dourada
15000 L
Red Goldflake Shrimp
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Dourada
MiddleBottom
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dourada
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Plant Destroyer
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dourada and Red Goldflake 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.

Dourada
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Dourada is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Red Goldflake Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Dourada may occasionally assert dominance over Red Goldflake Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Dourada and Red Goldflake Shrimp increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Dourada and Red Goldflake Shrimp both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Dourada is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 26°C and 29°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 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 4–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Dourada and Red Goldflake Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 15000 litres with a minimum length of 600 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Dourada prefers High (River/Stream) flow while Red Goldflake Shrimp needs Low (Still Water) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Dourada and Red Goldflake 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dourada and Red Goldflake Shrimp live together?

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

What size tank do Dourada and Red Goldflake Shrimp need?

A minimum of 15000 litres (tank length at least 600 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 Dourada and Red Goldflake Shrimp together?

Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 29°C. A target of around 27.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Dourada or Red Goldflake Shrimp aggressive?

Dourada is moderately assertive (6/10) and Red Goldflake 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 Dourada and Red Goldflake Shrimp need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–7.5 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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