Can Orange Delight Shrimp and Regan's Julie Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Orange Delight Shrimp and Regan's Julie are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Orange Delight Shrimp

Caridina loehae

Regan's Julie

Julidochromis regani

🐠Family Group
Orange Delight Shrimp
Invertebrates
Regan's Julie
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Orange Delight Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Regan's Julie
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Orange Delight Shrimp
26–29°C
Regan's Julie
23–27°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Orange Delight Shrimp
7.5–8.5
Regan's Julie
8–9
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Orange Delight Shrimp
4–8
Regan's Julie
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Orange Delight Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Regan's Julie
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Orange Delight Shrimp
Low
Regan's Julie
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Orange Delight Shrimp
38 L
Regan's Julie
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Orange Delight Shrimp
Bottom
Regan's Julie
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Orange Delight Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)
Regan's Julie
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Orange Delight Shrimp and Regan's Julie?

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.

Orange Delight Shrimp
Regan's Julie
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Orange Delight Shrimp is a peaceful species (0/10), while Regan's Julie is semi-aggressive (7/10). This notable difference means Regan's Julie may occasionally assert dominance over Orange Delight Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Orange Delight Shrimp and Regan's Julie increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Orange Delight Shrimp and Regan's Julie 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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 26°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 8 and 8.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Orange Delight Shrimp needs 4–8 dGH while Regan's Julie requires 10–25 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Orange Delight Shrimp and Regan's Julie together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 90 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), 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

Orange Delight Shrimp and Regan's Julie 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 Orange Delight Shrimp and Regan's Julie.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Orange Delight Shrimp and Regan's Julie live together?

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

What size tank do Orange Delight Shrimp and Regan's Julie need?

A minimum of 110 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Orange Delight Shrimp and Regan's Julie together?

Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 27°C. A target of around 26.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Orange Delight Shrimp or Regan's Julie aggressive?

Orange Delight Shrimp is peaceful (0/10) and Regan's Julie is semi-aggressive (7/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Orange Delight Shrimp and Regan's Julie need?

Both species overlap in the 8–8.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Regan's Julie's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Regan's Julie space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

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

Related Comparisons