Can Cherry Shrimp Live with Amazon Tiger Shrimp?
Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) and Amazon tiger shrimp (Neocaridina heteropoda) are two popular freshwater shrimp species that are often kept together in the same tank. However, there is some debate over whether or not these two species are truly compatible with each other.
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of keeping cherry shrimp with Amazon tiger shrimp, and we will provide some tips on how to make sure that these two species get along.
We will also provide some information on the specific care requirements of cherry shrimp and Amazon tiger shrimp, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not these two species are right for your aquarium.
Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are a popular freshwater shrimp species that are known for their bright red coloration. They are relatively easy to care for and make great additions to planted aquariums. Cherry shrimp are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including algae, biofilm, and small invertebrates. They are also peaceful and can be kept with a variety of other fish and shrimp species.
III. Amazon Tiger Shrimp
Amazon tiger shrimp ( Atya gabonensis ) are a species of freshwater shrimp native to South America. They are large, aggressive shrimp that can reach a length of up to 6 inches. Amazon tiger shrimp are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including fish flakes, shrimp pellets, and live foods such as worms and insects. They are also very active shrimp and will spend most of their time swimming around the tank.
Can Cherry Shrimp Live with Amazon Tiger Shrimp?
Yes, cherry shrimp and Amazon tiger shrimp can live together in the same tank. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when keeping these two species of shrimp together.
First, cherry shrimp are smaller than Amazon tiger shrimp. This means that they are more likely to be preyed upon by the larger shrimp. To avoid this, it is important to provide plenty of hiding places for the cherry shrimp.
Second, cherry shrimp are more sensitive to water quality than Amazon tiger shrimp. This means that it is important to maintain the water quality in the tank at a high level.
Finally, cherry shrimp are more likely to be stressed than Amazon tiger shrimp. This is because they are a smaller and more delicate species. To avoid this, it is important to provide a peaceful environment for the cherry shrimp.
If you are careful to follow these guidelines, then you can successfully keep cherry shrimp and Amazon tiger shrimp together in the same tank.
V. Pros of Keeping Cherry Shrimp with Amazon Tiger Shrimp
There are several pros to keeping cherry shrimp with Amazon tiger shrimp, including:
- Both species are relatively peaceful and non-aggressive, so they are unlikely to fight each other.
- They have similar water quality requirements, so they can be kept in the same tank without any problems.
- They are both omnivorous, so they can share the same food sources.
- They both have a relatively short lifespan, so they are not likely to outlive each other.
VI. Can Cherry Shrimp Live with Amazon Tiger Shrimp?
Yes, cherry shrimp and Amazon tiger shrimp can live together in the same tank. However, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to ensure that they live in harmony.
First, it is important to make sure that the tank is large enough to accommodate both species of shrimp. Cherry shrimp are small, and they do not require a lot of space. However, Amazon tiger shrimp are larger, and they need more room to swim and explore. A tank that is at least 10 gallons in size is ideal for housing both species of shrimp.
Second, it is important to provide a variety of hiding places for the shrimp. Cherry shrimp and Amazon tiger shrimp are both prey animals, and they will need places to hide from predators. You can provide hiding places by adding plants, rocks, and driftwood to the tank.
Third, it is important to maintain the water quality in the tank. Cherry shrimp and Amazon tiger shrimp are both sensitive to water quality, and they will not thrive in dirty water. Make sure to perform regular water changes and to test the water parameters regularly.
Fourth, it is important to feed the shrimp a diet that is rich in nutrients. Cherry shrimp and Amazon tiger shrimp are both omnivorous, and they will eat a variety of foods. You can feed them a diet of shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that cherry shrimp and Amazon tiger shrimp live in harmony in your tank.
VII. How to Keep Cherry Shrimp and Amazon Tiger Shrimp Together
There are a few things you can do to increase the chances of success when keeping cherry shrimp and Amazon tiger shrimp together in the same tank.
First, make sure that the tank is large enough for both species of shrimp. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 5 gallons of water per shrimp.
Second, create a well-planted environment with plenty of hiding places. This will help to create a more stable environment and will give the shrimp a place to retreat from each other if they need to.
Third, maintain the water quality at a high level. This means keeping the water temperature between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, the pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and the hardness between 5 and 10 dGH.
Fourth, feed the shrimp a varied diet of both live and frozen foods. This will help to keep them healthy and strong.
Finally, be patient. It may take some time for the shrimp to get used to each other. If you see any signs of aggression, such as nipping or chasing, simply remove the aggressor from the tank for a few days.
By following these tips, you can increase the chances of success when keeping cherry shrimp and Amazon tiger shrimp together in the same tank.
Conclusion
VIII. Conclusion
In conclusion, there are both pros and cons to keeping Amazon tiger shrimp and cherry shrimp together. It is important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully before making a decision. If you are willing to put in the extra effort to provide the right conditions for both species, then keeping them together can be a rewarding experience. However, if you are not prepared to provide the necessary care, then it is best to keep them separate.
References
1. [Cherry Shrimp Care Guide](https://www.thesprucepets.com/cherry-shrimp-care-guide-1381522)
2. [Amazon Tiger Shrimp Care Guide](https://www.thesprucepets.com/amazon-tiger-shrimp-care-1381544)
3. [Can Cherry Shrimp Live with Amazon Tiger Shrimp?](https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/shrimp/cherry-shrimp-with-amazon-tiger-shrimp)
4. [The Pros and Cons of Keeping Cherry Shrimp with Amazon Tiger Shrimp](https://www.shrimptank.com/cherry-shrimp-with-amazon-tiger-shrimp/)
5. [How to Keep Cherry Shrimp and Amazon Tiger Shrimp Together](https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumforum/threads/cherry-shrimp-and-amazon-tiger-shrimp.499369/)
6. [FAQs About Keeping Cherry Shrimp and Amazon Tiger Shrimp Together](https://www.petco.com/blog/aquarium/cherry-shrimp-and-amazon-tiger-shrimp-faqs/)