Can Red Goldflake Shrimp and Uaru Live Together?
Red Goldflake Shrimp and Uaru 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
Can your tank handle Red Goldflake Shrimp and Uaru?
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.
Behaviour & Temperament
Red Goldflake Shrimp is a peaceful species (0/10), while Uaru is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This notable difference means Uaru may occasionally assert dominance over Red Goldflake Shrimp.
Red Goldflake Shrimp and Uaru 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.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 27°C and 29°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 28.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Red Goldflake Shrimp (7.5–8.5) and Uaru (5–7) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house Red Goldflake Shrimp and Uaru together, plan for an aquarium of at least 400 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: Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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
Red Goldflake Shrimp and Uaru 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 Uaru.
Diet & Feeding
Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Uaru is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Red Goldflake Shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Red Goldflake Shrimp and Uaru live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Red Goldflake Shrimp and Uaru need?
A minimum of 400 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 Red Goldflake Shrimp and Uaru together?
Keep the aquarium between 27°C and 29°C. A target of around 28.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Red Goldflake Shrimp or Uaru aggressive?
Red Goldflake Shrimp is peaceful (0/10) and Uaru is generally mild-mannered (4/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Red Goldflake Shrimp and Uaru need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Red Goldflake Shrimp prefers 7.5–8.5, while Uaru needs 5–7. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
Shared setup supplies
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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?
- Contact the editorial team
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