Can Electric Blue Johannii and Ninja Shrimp Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Electric Blue Johannii and Ninja Shrimp are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Electric Blue Johannii

Pseudotropheus johannii

Ninja Shrimp

Caridina serratirostris

🐠Family Group
Electric Blue Johannii
Cichlids - African
Ninja Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Electric Blue Johannii
Aggressive (8/10)
Ninja Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
24–28°C
Ninja Shrimp
22–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Electric Blue Johannii
7.8–8.6
Ninja Shrimp
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
10–25
Ninja Shrimp
4–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
Freshwater Only
Ninja Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
Moderate
Ninja Shrimp
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 183 L
Electric Blue Johannii
150 L
Ninja Shrimp
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Electric Blue Johannii
MiddleBottom
Ninja Shrimp
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Electric Blue Johannii
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Ninja Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Electric Blue Johannii and Ninja 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.

Electric Blue Johannii
Ninja Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Electric Blue Johannii is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Ninja Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Electric Blue Johannii may occasionally assert dominance over Ninja Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (8 points) between Electric Blue Johannii and Ninja Shrimp increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Electric Blue Johannii and Ninja Shrimp both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and 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.

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.

The pH requirements of Electric Blue Johannii (7.8–8.6) and Ninja Shrimp (6.5–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

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

Tank Setup

To house Electric Blue Johannii and Ninja Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 183 litres with a minimum length of 90 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, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Electric Blue Johannii is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Ninja Shrimp's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

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

Electric Blue Johannii and Ninja 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 Electric Blue Johannii and Ninja Shrimp.

Show 6 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Electric Blue Johannii and Ninja Shrimp live together?

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

What size tank do Electric Blue Johannii and Ninja Shrimp need?

A minimum of 183 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Electric Blue Johannii and Ninja Shrimp 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 Electric Blue Johannii or Ninja Shrimp aggressive?

Electric Blue Johannii is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Ninja 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 Electric Blue Johannii and Ninja Shrimp need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Electric Blue Johannii prefers 7.8–8.6, while Ninja Shrimp needs 6.5–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Electric Blue Johannii's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Electric Blue Johannii 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 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
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