Can Rio Negro Dwarf Cichlid and Yellow Shrimp Live Together?

Rio Negro Dwarf Cichlid is a semi-aggressive species (7/10), while Yellow Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Rio Negro Dwarf Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Yellow Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Rio Negro Dwarf Cichlid and Yellow Shrimp increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Rio Negro Dwarf Cichlid and Yellow Shrimp 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

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 6.5 and 6.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Rio Negro Dwarf Cichlid needs 0–5 dGH while Yellow Shrimp requires 6–15 dGH.

To house Rio Negro Dwarf Cichlid and Yellow Shrimp together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 80 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: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Sand (Sifters), Plants - Densely covered, 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.

Rio Negro Dwarf Cichlid and Yellow 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.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Rio Negro Dwarf Cichlid is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Yellow Shrimp.