Can Loricaria lundbergi and Red Goldflake Shrimp Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Loricaria lundbergi 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

Loricaria lundbergi

Loricaria lundbergi

Red Goldflake Shrimp

Caridina sp. Red Goldflake

🐠Family Group
Loricaria lundbergi
Catfish
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Loricaria lundbergi
Peaceful (1/10)
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Loricaria lundbergi
25–29°C
Red Goldflake Shrimp
26–29°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Loricaria lundbergi
5–7
Red Goldflake Shrimp
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Loricaria lundbergi
1–10
Red Goldflake Shrimp
4–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Loricaria lundbergi
Freshwater Only
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Loricaria lundbergi
Moderate
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Loricaria lundbergi
110 L
Red Goldflake Shrimp
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Loricaria lundbergi
Bottom
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Loricaria lundbergi
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Nocturnal
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Loricaria lundbergi 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.

Loricaria lundbergi
Red Goldflake Shrimp
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Behaviour & Temperament

Loricaria lundbergi is a peaceful species (1/10), while Red Goldflake Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Loricaria lundbergi may occasionally assert dominance over Red Goldflake Shrimp.

Loricaria lundbergi 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.

Worth noting: Loricaria lundbergi is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

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.

The pH requirements of Loricaria lundbergi (5–7) 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 Loricaria lundbergi and Red Goldflake Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 80 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Loricaria lundbergi 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 Loricaria lundbergi and Red Goldflake Shrimp.

Show 12 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Loricaria lundbergi 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 Loricaria lundbergi and Red Goldflake Shrimp need?

A minimum of 110 litres (tank length at least 80 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 Loricaria lundbergi 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 Loricaria lundbergi or Red Goldflake Shrimp aggressive?

Loricaria lundbergi is peaceful (1/10) and Red Goldflake Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Loricaria lundbergi and Red Goldflake Shrimp need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Loricaria lundbergi prefers 5–7, while Red Goldflake Shrimp needs 7.5–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

Does Loricaria lundbergi being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Loricaria lundbergi is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Loricaria lundbergi during evening hours.

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
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