Will German blue rams eat adult amano shrimp?

Adult amano shrimp at 2 inches are sometimes safe from direct predation, but rams actively hunt them. Even when an adult amano survives initial encounters, the constant harassment causes stress and reduces feeding. Most amanos eventually disappear.

My ram ignores my amano shrimp. Is the combo safe?

Rams may show little initial interest in shrimp, then begin hunting as they settle into their territory and feel more confident. The hunting instinct develops over weeks, not days. Do not assume safety based on short-term observation.

What shrimp work with German blue rams?

Cherry shrimp colonies are the most practical option. Rams may eat some shrimplets, but the colony usually survives and reproduces fast enough to maintain population. Amano shrimp are not reliable with rams.

Can Amano Shrimp Live With German Blue Ram?

By Alex WalshLast reviewed Apr 18, 2026

No, German blue rams eat amano shrimp since rams are carnivorous dwarf cichlids that hunt small invertebrates in their territory.

Why

German blue rams at 2.5-3 inches are dwarf cichlids with strong carnivorous instincts and active hunting behavior.
Amano shrimp reach 2 inches but have soft bodies and move slowly enough for a ram to catch.
Rams spend their time near the bottom and substrate, the same area where amano shrimp forage.
Shrimplets and juvenile amanos are especially vulnerable to ram predation even if adults sometimes survive.

Minimum shared tank

20 gallons

Shared temperature range

80-80°F

What could go wrong

Amano shrimp numbers drop steadily as the ram hunts them, with no reproduction to replace losses. The last shrimp disappears within weeks.

If you keep them in separate tanks

Sized for the 20 gallon minimum this pairing needs. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them.

AquaClear 30 Power Filter

Oversized filtration is what lets you stock two species together without water quality crashing. Rated for a tank slightly larger than the 20 gallon minimum.

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Eheim Jager 150W Thermostat Heater

Holds a steady temperature inside the 80-80°F window both species need.

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API Freshwater Master Test Kit

Keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in check. Two-species tanks have more bioload and less margin for error than single-species setups.

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Better pairings to consider

German blue rams do well with cherry shrimp (rams may eat shrimplets but colonies usually persist) or nerite snails. Amano shrimp pair well with neon tetras, corydoras, or bristlenose plecos in peaceful community tanks.