Can Red Goldflake Shrimp and Riffle Shrimp Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Red Goldflake Shrimp and Riffle Shrimp are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Red Goldflake Shrimp

Caridina sp. Red Goldflake

Riffle Shrimp

Australatya striolata

🐟Family Group
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Invertebrates
Riffle Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Riffle Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Red Goldflake Shrimp
26–29°C
Riffle Shrimp
17–25°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Red Goldflake Shrimp
7.5–8.5
Riffle Shrimp
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Red Goldflake Shrimp
4–10
Riffle Shrimp
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Riffle Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Low
Riffle Shrimp
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 50 L
Red Goldflake Shrimp
38 L
Riffle Shrimp
50 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Bottom
Riffle Shrimp
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Riffle Shrimp
Jumper (Lid Required)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Red Goldflake Shrimp and Riffle 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.

Red Goldflake Shrimp
Riffle Shrimp
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Behaviour & Temperament

Both Red Goldflake Shrimp and Riffle 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.

Red Goldflake Shrimp and Riffle 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: Riffle Shrimp is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

There is no temperature overlap between Red Goldflake Shrimp (26–29°C) and Riffle Shrimp (17–25°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Red Goldflake Shrimp and Riffle Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 50 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: Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Red Goldflake Shrimp prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Riffle Shrimp needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Red Goldflake Shrimp and Riffle 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 Red Goldflake Shrimp and Riffle Shrimp.

Show 21 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Red Goldflake Shrimp and Riffle Shrimp live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Red Goldflake Shrimp and Riffle Shrimp need?

A minimum of 50 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 Red Goldflake Shrimp and Riffle Shrimp together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Red Goldflake Shrimp requires 26–29°C, while Riffle Shrimp needs 17–25°C.

Are Red Goldflake Shrimp or Riffle Shrimp aggressive?

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

What pH do Red Goldflake Shrimp and Riffle Shrimp need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–8 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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