15 Best Neocaridina Shrimp Tank Mates

If your tank needs a little more than just a Neocaridina shrimp, you’ll need to know what the 15 best Neocaridina tank mates are!

The best Neocaridina shrimp tank mates are fish that have a highly similar temperament, or are simply peaceful and close enough in size to be disinterested in eating the shrimp. These can be aquatic snails, small crabs, or peaceful Corydoras, as long as they can survive in the same water conditions or temperature.

In this article we’ll examine the list of the 15 best Neocaridina shrimp tank mates and go over what makes each of those fish special, as well as facts like where they came from and what they might need from you as their caretaker. Let’s get started!

Neocaridina Shrimp Tank Mates – What You Need to Know

There is a lot that you should be up to date on when it comes to taking care of your Neocaridina shrimp; this is especially true when it comes to facts about tank mates. We’ve got that information all ready for you below!

Temperament

The temperament of a Neocaridina shrimp is crucial to watch out for. They are mild-mannered, happy to keep to themselves and bother no other animals. However, fish that are too energetic and looking for a fight will not be a good fit for the Neocaridina shrimp.

Find fish that are a little on the shy side, or simply won’t care about a shrimp wandering the floor of the tank, to avoid fighting. Shy or peaceful fish are often the best Neocaridina shrimp tank mates.

Size

Neocaridina shrimp are some of the smallest members of a community tank you’ll find, and as they remain on the ground zone, they won’t take up much room. However, to be on the safe side, you need to make sure that any tank mates you pick won’t be large enough to consider the Neocaridina shrimp a safe snack.

These shrimp only grow to be about 1 and a half inches, so fish that are around this size or only a few inches bigger are your best bet for compatible tank mates. Smaller fish are more likely to be good Neocaridina shrimp tank mates than bigger fish.

Competition

 When we talk about competition, we don’t mean competition for your affection or even for territory. Typically, competition in an aquarium refers to feeding time. Will the fish in your tank try to steal the food of the Neocaridina shrimp? If the answer is “yes,” pick out tank mates that eat in different zones, at different times, or with different diets altogether.

Luckily, this is one of the easiest factors to get around with Neocaridina shrimp, because they like to clean up leftovers at the tank floor. Neocaridina shrimp tank mates are easier to pick when it comes to this factor since these shrimp like eating leftovers from other fish.

Parameters & Tank Setup

Finally, the tank setup is important for the survival of any fish or shrimp. A Neocaridina shrimp needs a temperature of water between 77 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, they will thrive with plenty of plants and a pebbly substrate on the floor of the tank.

Remember, your tank mates will need to be able to handle the same temperature range healthily. Neocaridina shrimp tank mates need to have the same temperature range and water parameters so that they all stay healthy and happy.

Best Neocaridina Shrimp Tank Mates

Let’s take a look at 15 of the best Neocaridina shrimp tank mates.

1. Amano Shrimp
2. Thai Micro Crab
3. Otocinclus Catfish
4. Neon Tetra
5. Apple Snail
6. Chili Rasbora
7. Bronze Cory
8. Ember Tetra
9. Endlers Fish
10. Pencil Fish
11. Kuhli Loach
12. Betta Fish
13. Clown Killifish
14. Dwarf Gourami
15. Guppy

Next, we’ll examine each of these fish more closely to determine just what makes them so fully compatible to be considered the best Neocaridina shrimp tank mates!

Don’t miss out on these other popular posts in this category:

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1. Amano Shrimp

• Scientific Name: Caridina multidentata
• Adult Size: 2 inches
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: Japan

The amano shrimp will keep the Neocaridina shrimp great company at the bottom of the tank. Though it is larger than most types of Neocaridina shrimp, it is peace-loving. This makes them great Neocaridina shrimp tank mates because of their peaceful nature.

This shrimp is usually semi-transparent with tawny coloration and hints of brown speckles. With two shrimp at the bottom of the tank, cleanup will be very easy!

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• No food competition
• Cleans up bottom of the tank

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• None!

2. Thai Micro Crab

• Scientific Name: Limnopilos naiyanetri
• Adult Size: 4 inches
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: Thailand

The Thai micro crab is a fascinating specimen to add to the visual diversity of your aquarium. It will keep your shrimp peaceful company on the tank floor, but make sure there are plenty of plants for it to climb, too. These make great Neocaridina shrimp tank mates because of their peaceful nature while also adding diversity to the tank.

The thai micro crab is typically grey but has patterns of white to spice it up. It is fun to watch scuttling around the aquarium, cleaning up after fish!

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• No food competition
• Cleans up bottom of the tank

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• None!

3. Otocinclus Catfish

• Scientific Name: Otocinclus sp.
• Adult Size: 1 to 2 inches
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: South America

There are several different species of otocinclus catfish, be it the dwarf succer, the otto catfish, or the dwarf armored catfish. These are typically marked by a brown stripe running horizontally along the body.
Regardless of which of these small fish you choose, you’ll find it makes a great companion for the Neocaridina shrimp because of its peaceful attitude. They make great Neocaridina shrimp tank mates because they aren’t aggressive while also having different species to choose from.

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• Little food competition

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• None!

4. Neon Tetra

• Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi
• Adult Size: 1 and a half inches
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: Peru, Southeastern Colombia, Brazil

The neon tetra has had many adoring aquarist fans over the years because it can be used as a tank mate for such a wide variety of fish, with the Neocaridina shrimp included! Neon tetras tend to school with others of their kind in the middle of the tank. These Neocaridina shrimp tank mates are perfect because they prefer the middle of the tank and are peaceful.

They are peaceful, and are marked by their bright strawberry-and-blue coloration.

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• No food competition

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• None!

5. Apple Snail

• Scientific Name: Pomacea bridgesii
• Adult Size: 3 inches
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: United States, Hawaii, Florida, Southeast Asia

Looking for even more of a visual mixup when you glance over your aquarium? Instead of fish, try an Apple Snail! Though these do tend to multiply if you’re not careful, they won’t cause any trouble.

This is because these brightly-sun-colored snails are obviously peaceful, posing no threat of eating or bullying your shrimp. They like to rest on plants or the walls of the tank and clean up algae. They make great Neocaridina shrimp tank mates because they are peaceful and also help keep your aquarium clean.

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• No food competition

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• None!

6. Chili Rasbora

• Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
• Adult Size: 0.8 inches
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: Indonesia

This fish is sometimes called the mosquito rasbora due to its tiny size. It will look a bit like a fleck of red pepper that has fallen into your tank until you see it swimming happily in a school of 8 of its kind.

The chili rasbora is energetic and fun to watch, but not bullying and will not harm your shrimp. It is also too small to pose any threat to the shrimp’s food source! This makes them great Neocaridina shrimp tank mates since there’s not much chance of them fighting each other for food!

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• No food competition

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• None!

7. Bronze Cory

• Scientific Name: Corydoras aeneus
• Adult Size: 2 and a half inches
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela

The Bronze Cory is, much like the neon tetra, well-liked for being compatible with so many different conditions and types of fish. It is highly peace-loving and will remain cozily at the bottom of the tank. These catfish make great Neocaridina shrimp tank mates because of their peaceful temperament.

This fish is an omnivore that will clean up after others, and is marked by its bronze coloration with fun little whiskers.

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• No food competition

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• None!

8. Ember Tetra

• Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon amandae
• Adult Size: 1 inch
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: South America

Look no further than the Ember Tetra if you want a small fish that will light up your aquarium without making a ruckus for your shrimp to deal with! Their lack of making a commotion in the aquarium is what makes them great Neocaridina shrimp tank mates.

The ember tetra is happiest in schools of its own kind. It resembles a classic goldfish, except for the sharp dark markings on the tip of its dorsal fin. They also tend to be more transparent than goldfish.

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• No food competition

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• None!

9. Endlers Fish

• Scientific Name: Poecilia wingei
• Adult Size: 2 inches
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: Central America, South America

Endlers fish, or more commonly “Endlers Livebearers,” are named for their live-bearing birthing method, and the easy way aquarists can take care of those fry.

They are interesting-looking but peaceful fish. Endlers fish are varied in color, with curiously flat-looking heads and a similarity in patterning to guppies. These fish tend to be more friendly for beginners while also being smaller and thinner than guppies. Their friendly nature and smaller bodies make them great Neocaridina shrimp tank mates.

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• No food competition

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• None!

10. Pencil Fish

• Scientific Name: Nannostomus marginatus
• Adult Size: 1 inch
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: Guyana

Pencilfish are named for their striped, thin appearance. They are peace-loving, and their omnivorous diet makes them very easy to care for.

Pencilfish come in a few different types, but they are usually warmly colored with thick black horizontal stripes. They are amazing Neocaridina shrimp tank mates because of their peaceful nature and easy care.

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• No food competition

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• None!

11. Kuhli Loach

• Scientific Name: Pangio Kuhlii
• Adult Size: 4 inches
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: Malaysia, Sumatra, Thailand, Borneo, Singapore

The kuhli loach is a gentle giant among the smaller members of this list. It is long, sometimes compared more to an eel or water snake than a fish, though that is technically what it is.

Kuhli loaches live for a long time, and during that lifespan you’ll be treated to a beautiful fish with yellow and brown spots, earning it the nickname “leopard loach.” Their long lifespans and gentle nature make them great Neocaridina shrimp tank mates while also being easy fish on their own!

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• No food competition

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• None!

12. Betta Fish

• Scientific Name: Betta splendens
• Adult Size: 3 inches
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: Thailand, Cambodia

Everyone knows about the fancy-finned betta fish, which is sometimes called the “Siamese fighting fish.” Truthfully, this name only applies when one betta feels threatened by the presence of another of its kind. Not all Bettas are aggressive. Some are more peaceful than others depending on their tank mates and habitat while also accounting for their personality.

Keep a betta fish as the only member of its species, and your Neocaridina shrimp will have no trouble! In the meantime, enjoy a beautifully-colored fish with an energetic, even playful personality. Bettas make great Neocaridina shrimp tank mates.

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• No food competition

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• Can be deadly with other Bettas.

13. Clown Killifish

• Scientific Name: Epiplatys annulatus
• Adult Size: 1 and a half inches
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: Africa

The clown killifish has a little of the same characteristics as a kuhli loach, though it is smaller and distinctly more fish-shaped! This fish is yellow with brown spots and is usually found playing among aquarium plants.

This fish is a predator, but it is small enough to avoid trying to eat your shrimp. As long as it has plenty of room, it will be fine to keep as a tank mate. They are good Neocaridina shrimp tank mates because they are small enough to not be able to eat the shrimp.

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• No food competition

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• Might try to eat younger or smaller Neocaridina shrimp

14. Dwarf Gourami

• Scientific Name: Trichogaster lalius
• Adult Size: 2 inches
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: Assam, India, Bangladesh, West Bengal

These fish are also called powder blues, sunset gouramis, red gouramis, or simply flame gouramis thanks to their variety of powerful colors.

They are peaceful and won’t bother your shrimp, preferring to stay at the top of the tank. However, they will venture down to snack on algae occasionally. They make good Neocaridina shrimp tank mates because of their many color choices while also staying at the top and occasionally going to the bottom for algae.

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• No food competition

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• None!

15. Guppy

• Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
• Adult Size: 2 inches
• Compatible With: Neocaridina Shrimp
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: South America

Guppies are some of the fanciest-looking fish you’ll find. They come in just about every color and pattern, and are known for being very easy to care for.

Partly, this is due to their peaceful temperament, which is what makes them great for Neocaridina shrimp tank mates. They also add to the color diversity of the aquarium.

Pros of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp:

• No aggression
• No food competition

Cons of keeping with Neocaridina Shrimp :

• None!

Best Neocaridina Shrimp Tank Mates: Notable Mentions

Rasbora Heteromorpha

Often called Harlequin Rasboras, these are pint-sized peacekeepers of the aquatic realm. In my own shrimp haven, they glide about, barely sparing a second glance at the adult shrimp. They’re practically the diplomats of the fish world, making them impeccable Neocaridina shrimp tank mates.

Scarlet Badis

These introverted fish, known as Dario Dario in academic circles, are worth considering for a shrimp-friendly tank. In such a setup, they would likely keep to themselves and avoid causing stress to the shrimp. This makes them good candidates for Neocaridina shrimp tank mates.

Corydoras Habrosus

Affectionately termed Salt and Pepper Cory, these catfish are the janitors of my shrimp-friendly sanctuary. Low-maintenance and pleasant, they neither interrupt the shrimp’s daily life or meddle in their affairs. These fish are great Neocaridina shrimp tank mates because they like to stay to themselves.

Cardinal Tetras

They bear a striking resemblance to Neon Tetras but stand out due to their tranquil nature. Proper tank maintenance could make them even more shrimp-friendly, much like courteous neighbors who mind their own business. They tend to be bigger than Neon Tetras while also having their blue and red colors across their whole bodies. Neon Tetras have some white on them while these fish lack that color. These fish still make great Neocaridina shrimp tank mates for their peaceful nature.

Rummy Nose Tetra

Observing a tank with Rummy Nose Tetras and shrimp would likely be a peaceful experience. Their calm demeanor seems to invite harmony and could contribute to a drama-free tank environment. Their lack of drama is what makes them good Neocaridina shrimp tank mates.

FAQs

Now, if you’re anything like me, you probably have questions ricocheting in your mind. Let’s clear the air, shall we?

Can I keep multiple species of neocaridina shrimp together?

The short answer: it’s dicey. Keeping just one species is the safer bet to avoid any ‘Romeo and Juliet’ hybridization scenarios. Having more than one species could cause them to breed together and mix their species. Keeping one species is better because of the lack of breeding with another species.

What’s on the dining table for neocaridina shrimp and their tank mates?

My neocaridina shrimp are die-hard fans of algae, biofilm, and specialized shrimp pellets. As for their tank mates, they might have a more eclectic or diverse palate. Research is your best friend here.

How do I keep the water clean in a neocaridina shrimp tank?

Cleanliness is next to shrimpliness—regular water changes, effective filtration, and abundant plant growth will keep your tank’s water as pure as a mountain stream.

Can neocaridina shrimp and snails cohabitate?

Absolutely, yes! Apple snails, nerite snails, and mystery snails make wonderful roommates, as long as you ensure that they’re not the predatory types. Make sure the snails are peaceful and they will make great roommates! All snails are good Neocaridina shrimp tank mates as long as they are peaceful and share the same water parameters.

Any other fish suggestions for my neocaridina shrimp sanctuary?

Phoenix Rasboras, Pygmy Rasboras, and Glowlight Rasboras are also exemplary companions. Just steer clear of the shrimp that have aggressive tendencies. The best type of fish for Neocaridina shrimp are the non-aggressive ones. Neocaridina shrimp tank mates are peaceful and friendly.

What’s the optimum number of tank mates for my neocaridina shrimp tank?

Overcrowding is the nemesis of a peaceful tank. A general rule of thumb is one fish per gallon to keep everyone’s stress levels low. Or another rule of thumb is for every inch of a fish, there should be a gallon for it. This way the fish has as many gallons of water for every inch long they are. Make sure to include all other fish in the tank to this rule.

Should I quarantine new fish before their grand entry?

You wouldn’t invite a stranger into your home without some due diligence, right? Same goes for your tank. Quarantine is absolutely advised.

So, there you have it! My journey with my neocaridina shrimp tank has been both insightful and rewarding, and I hope this guide makes your experience just as enriching.

In Conclusion

To sum it all up, the 15 best Neocaridina Tank Mates are fish, or snails, or even crabs, that can handle the same tank temperature and water hardness as the Neocaridina shrimp. However, they should also have a temperament that isn’t looking for trouble, and sizes that won’t be interested in trying to snack on the peace-loving shrimp.