Can Festivum and Red Goldflake Shrimp Live Together?
Festivum and Red Goldflake 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
Can your tank handle Festivum 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.
Behaviour & Temperament
Festivum is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Red Goldflake Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Festivum may occasionally assert dominance over Red Goldflake Shrimp.
In terms of spatial distribution, Festivum prefers the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones, whereas Red Goldflake Shrimp occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.
Worth noting: Festivum 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 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Festivum (5.5–7.2) and Red Goldflake Shrimp (7.5–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house Festivum and Red Goldflake Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 150 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: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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.
Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice
Festivum 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.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Festivum and Red Goldflake Shrimp.
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
Show 9 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Festivum 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 Festivum and Red Goldflake Shrimp need?
A minimum of 150 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 Festivum and Red Goldflake Shrimp together?
Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 28°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Festivum or Red Goldflake Shrimp aggressive?
Festivum is generally mild-mannered (4/10) 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 Festivum and Red Goldflake Shrimp need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Festivum prefers 5.5–7.2, while Red Goldflake Shrimp needs 7.5–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Festivum's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Festivum 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.
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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?
- Contact the editorial team
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