Can Cherry Shrimp Live With Bristlenose Pleco?
Cherry Shrimp and Bristlenose Pleco are compatible. Temperature overlap 73–80°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 20 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Cherry Shrimp | Bristlenose Pleco | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–80°F | 73–81°F | 73–80°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6.5–8 | 6.5–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 1.5" | 5" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| Min Tank Size | 5 gal | 20 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore/Detritivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | beginner | — |
Tank Requirements for Cherry Shrimp + Bristlenose Pleco
To keep Cherry Shrimp and Bristlenose Pleco together, you need at minimum a 20 gallon tank. Cherry Shrimp should be kept in a school of 10+. Provide adequate filtration, stable temperature with a heater, and hiding spots to reduce stress.
Species Profiles
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Cherry shrimp are the most popular freshwater aquarium shrimp, prized for their vibrant red color and algae-eating habits. They are extremely hardy, breed readily in captivity, and make excellent additions to planted tanks. Available in multiple color grades from pale pink (regular) to deep crimson (Painted Fire Red).
Full care guide →Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus spp.
The Bristlenose Pleco is the most popular pleco species for home aquariums, and for good reason — they stay small (4–5 inches vs 12–24 inches for common plecos), are excellent algae eaters, and are hardy and easy to care for. Males develop distinctive bristle-like growths on their nose, which is how they get their name.
Full care guide →