Will neon tetras eat my cherry shrimp?

Adult shrimp are generally safe. Tiny newborn shrimplets may be eaten opportunistically, which is why dense plant cover like java moss is essential for a breeding colony.

How many cherry shrimp can I keep with neon tetras?

Start with 10-12 shrimp in a 10-gallon tank. The colony will breed if conditions are right. Neon tetras rarely wipe out an established colony. They just thin out the occasional baby.

Do cherry shrimp need a heater with neon tetras?

Cherry shrimp tolerate 65-80°F without a heater, but neon tetras need 70-81°F. Run the heater to keep neons healthy and the shrimp will be comfortable too.

Can Cherry Shrimp Live With Neon Tetra?

By Alex WalshLast reviewed Apr 18, 2026

Yes

Yes, cherry shrimp and neon tetras coexist in 10 gallons or larger, with overlapping temperatures of 70-80°F and matching pH of 6.5-7.0.

Why

Neon tetras are mid-level swimmers and cherry shrimp are bottom dwellers, so they occupy separate tank zones and rarely interact.
Temperature overlap of 70-80°F covers both species' ranges without stress.
Cherry shrimp are too small and too armored to trigger neon tetra predation instincts.
A well-planted tank with java moss or java fern gives shrimp plenty of cover for hiding between molts.

Minimum shared tank

10 gallons

Shared temperature range

70-80°F

What could go wrong

Neon tetras may eat cherry shrimp babies if the colony is not well-established with dense plant cover. Adults survive, but newborn shrimplets are vulnerable.