Can Ninja Shrimp and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Ninja Shrimp and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Ninja Shrimp

Caridina serratirostris

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)

Datnioides polota

🐠Family Group
Ninja Shrimp
Invertebrates
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Oddballs
Temperament
Ninja Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Ninja Shrimp
22–28°C
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Ninja Shrimp
6.5–7.5
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Ninja Shrimp
4–10
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Ninja Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Ninja Shrimp
Moderate
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 450 L
Ninja Shrimp
19 L
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
450 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Ninja Shrimp
BottomMiddle
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Ninja Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Ninja Shrimp and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)?

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.

Ninja Shrimp
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Ninja Shrimp is a peaceful species (0/10), while Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) may occasionally assert dominance over Ninja Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Ninja Shrimp and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Ninja Shrimp and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) and Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

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 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 10–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Ninja Shrimp and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 450 litres with a minimum length of 150 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: Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Sand (Sifters). 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

Ninja Shrimp and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) 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 Ninja Shrimp and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish).

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Ninja Shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ninja Shrimp and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) live together?

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

What size tank do Ninja Shrimp and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) need?

A minimum of 450 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Ninja Shrimp and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) 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 Ninja Shrimp or Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) aggressive?

Ninja Shrimp is peaceful (0/10) and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Ninja Shrimp and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) 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.

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?
Contact the editorial team

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