Can Sunset Hap and Tiger Shrimp Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Sunset Hap and Tiger Shrimp are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and incompatible hardness ranges and 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

Sunset Hap

Dimidiochromis strigatus

Tiger Shrimp

Caridina mariae

🐠Family Group
Sunset Hap
Cichlids - African
Tiger Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Sunset Hap
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Tiger Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Sunset Hap
24–28°C
Tiger Shrimp
20–25°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Sunset Hap
7.6–8.6
Tiger Shrimp
6–7.4
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Sunset Hap
10–25
Tiger Shrimp
4–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Sunset Hap
Freshwater Only
Tiger Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Sunset Hap
Moderate
Tiger Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 400 L
Sunset Hap
400 L
Tiger Shrimp
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Sunset Hap
MiddleBottom
Tiger Shrimp
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Sunset Hap
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesHyperactive / Fast SwimmerTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Tiger Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Sunset Hap and Tiger 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.

Sunset Hap
Tiger Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Sunset Hap is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Tiger Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Sunset Hap may occasionally assert dominance over Tiger Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Sunset Hap and Tiger Shrimp increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Sunset Hap and Tiger Shrimp both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and 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.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) 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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Sunset Hap (7.6–8.6) and Tiger Shrimp (6–7.4) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Sunset Hap needs 10–25 dGH while Tiger Shrimp requires 4–8 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Sunset Hap and Tiger Shrimp 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered. 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

Sunset Hap and Tiger 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 Sunset Hap and Tiger Shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Sunset Hap and Tiger Shrimp live together?

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

What size tank do Sunset Hap and Tiger Shrimp 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 Sunset Hap and Tiger Shrimp together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 25°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Sunset Hap or Tiger Shrimp aggressive?

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

What pH do Sunset Hap and Tiger Shrimp need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Sunset Hap prefers 7.6–8.6, while Tiger Shrimp needs 6–7.4. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Sunset Hap's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Sunset Hap 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
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