Can Blue Emperor Tetra Live With Cherry Shrimp?
Yes, blue emperor tetras and cherry shrimp coexist peacefully in 20 gallons or larger, with tetras schooling mid-level while shrimp graze on algae and biofilm.
Why
- Blue emperor tetras are 1.5-2 inches and are peaceful mid-water schooling fish that have no interest in hunting or eating shrimp.
- Cherry shrimp are 1-1.5 inches and spend nearly all their time grazing on algae, biofilm, and organic debris on tank surfaces.
- Blue emperor tetras are too small to swallow an adult cherry shrimp, and they are not aggressive toward invertebrates.
- Both species prefer similar temperatures of 73-80 degrees Fahrenheit and pH of 6.5-7.5.
- A planted 20-gallon tank provides plenty of surface area for shrimp to graze while giving tetras open swimming space in the middle.
What could go wrong
Blue emperor tetras may eat very small shrimplets during their first few days of free swimming, so dense plant cover like java moss is essential for shrimplet survival.
Gear for a shared tank
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.
Eheim Jager 150W Thermostat Heater
Holds a steady temperature inside the 73-80°F window both species need.
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.
Related compatibility questions
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