Can Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Purple Zebra Shrimp Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Purple Zebra Shrimp are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 19 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)

Melanoides tuberculata

Purple Zebra Shrimp

Potamalpheops sp.

🐟Family Group
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Invertebrates
Purple Zebra Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Peaceful (0/10)
Purple Zebra Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
18–32°C
Purple Zebra Shrimp
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
7–8.5
Purple Zebra Shrimp
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
8–25
Purple Zebra Shrimp
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Brackish Tolerant
Purple Zebra Shrimp
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Low
Purple Zebra Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 19 L
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
5 L
Purple Zebra Shrimp
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Bottom
Purple Zebra Shrimp
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Nocturnal
Purple Zebra Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Purple Zebra 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.

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Purple Zebra Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Purple Zebra Shrimp are peaceful species with an aggression score of 0/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Purple Zebra 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: Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Purple Zebra Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 19 litres with a minimum length of 30 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), Soil / Nutrient Rich, Established Algae (Otocinclus), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered. 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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Purple Zebra Shrimp.

Show 27 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Purple Zebra Shrimp live together?

Yes. Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Purple Zebra Shrimp are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Purple Zebra Shrimp need?

A minimum of 19 litres (tank length at least 30 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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Purple Zebra Shrimp together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) or Purple Zebra Shrimp aggressive?

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10) and Purple Zebra Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Purple Zebra Shrimp need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) during evening hours.


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