Can Honey Blue Eye and Orange Delight Shrimp Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Honey Blue Eye and Orange Delight 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

Honey Blue Eye

Pseudomugil mellis

Orange Delight Shrimp

Caridina loehae

🐠Family Group
Honey Blue Eye
Rainbowfish
Orange Delight Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Honey Blue Eye
Peaceful (2/10)
Orange Delight Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Honey Blue Eye
20–28°C
Orange Delight Shrimp
26–29°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Honey Blue Eye
4.5–7
Orange Delight Shrimp
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Honey Blue Eye
1–8
Orange Delight Shrimp
4–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Honey Blue Eye
Freshwater Only
Orange Delight Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Honey Blue Eye
Low
Orange Delight Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 40 L
Honey Blue Eye
40 L
Orange Delight Shrimp
38 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Honey Blue Eye
TopMiddle
Orange Delight Shrimp
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Honey Blue Eye
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Orange Delight Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Honey Blue Eye and Orange Delight 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.

Honey Blue Eye
Orange Delight Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Honey Blue Eye is a peaceful species (2/10), while Orange Delight Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Honey Blue Eye may occasionally assert dominance over Orange Delight Shrimp.

In terms of spatial distribution, Honey Blue Eye prefers the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones, whereas Orange Delight 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: Honey Blue Eye 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 Honey Blue Eye (4.5–7) and Orange Delight Shrimp (7.5–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Honey Blue Eye and Orange Delight Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 40 litres with a minimum length of 45 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: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), 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

Honey Blue Eye and Orange Delight 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 Honey Blue Eye and Orange Delight Shrimp.

Show 21 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Honey Blue Eye and Orange Delight Shrimp live together?

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

What size tank do Honey Blue Eye and Orange Delight Shrimp need?

A minimum of 40 litres (tank length at least 45 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 Honey Blue Eye and Orange Delight 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 Honey Blue Eye or Orange Delight Shrimp aggressive?

Honey Blue Eye is peaceful (2/10) and Orange Delight Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Honey Blue Eye and Orange Delight Shrimp need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Honey Blue Eye prefers 4.5–7, while Orange Delight Shrimp needs 7.5–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

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
Issues or corrections?
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