Can Cherry Shrimp Live With Pearl Gourami?
Maybe, pearl gouramis at 4-5 inches may pick off small shrimp, but larger adult shrimp are usually safe.
Why
- Pearl gouramis grow to 4-5 inches and are semi-aggressive, which gives them the size to tackle small prey.
- Adult cherry shrimp at 1-1.5 inches are generally safe because they are too big to be targeted.
- Baby shrimp under 0.5 inches are small enough for a gourami to eat.
- Pearl gouramis are labyrinth fish that surface for air and patrol the middle water column, so they encounter shrimp regularly.
- Heavy plant cover gives shrimp the hiding spots they need to survive.
What could go wrong
A pearl gourami that discovers baby shrimp may eat them regularly, and the colony may decline over time without enough cover.
Gear for a shared tank
Sized for the 30 gallon minimum this pairing needs. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them.
AquaClear 70 Power Filter
Oversized filtration is what lets you stock two species together without water quality crashing. Rated for a tank slightly larger than the 30 gallon minimum.
Eheim Jager 200W Thermostat Heater
Holds a steady temperature inside the 77-80°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.
Better pairings to consider
The outcome improves if the tank is heavily planted and the shrimp colony is already established with adults only.
Related compatibility questions
Keep reading
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