Can Ghost Shrimp and Humpbacked Limia Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Ghost Shrimp and Humpbacked Limia are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. They occupy different areas of the water column, which reduces competition for space. A minimum tank size of 75 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Ghost Shrimp

Palaemonetes paludosus

Humpbacked Limia

Limia nigrofasciata

🐠Family Group
Ghost Shrimp
Invertebrates
Humpbacked Limia
Livebearers
Temperament
Ghost Shrimp
Peaceful (1/10)
Humpbacked Limia
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Ghost Shrimp
18–28°C
Humpbacked Limia
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Ghost Shrimp
6.5–8
Humpbacked Limia
7.2–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Ghost Shrimp
5–15
Humpbacked Limia
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Ghost Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Humpbacked Limia
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Ghost Shrimp
Low
Humpbacked Limia
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Ghost Shrimp
19 L
Humpbacked Limia
75 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Ghost Shrimp
Bottom
Humpbacked Limia
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Ghost Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Humpbacked Limia
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Ghost Shrimp and Humpbacked Limia?

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.

Ghost Shrimp
Humpbacked Limia
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Ghost Shrimp is a peaceful species (1/10), while Humpbacked Limia is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Humpbacked Limia may occasionally assert dominance over Ghost Shrimp.

In terms of spatial distribution, Ghost Shrimp prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Humpbacked Limia occupies the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

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.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.2 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.

Tank Setup

To house Ghost Shrimp and Humpbacked Limia together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 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: Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Ghost Shrimp and Humpbacked Limia.

Show 17 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ghost Shrimp and Humpbacked Limia live together?

Yes. Ghost Shrimp and Humpbacked Limia are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Ghost Shrimp and Humpbacked Limia need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Ghost Shrimp and Humpbacked Limia 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 Ghost Shrimp or Humpbacked Limia aggressive?

Ghost Shrimp is peaceful (1/10) and Humpbacked Limia is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Ghost Shrimp and Humpbacked Limia need?

Both species overlap in the 7.2–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


Related Comparisons