Can Cherry Shrimp Live With Dwarf Gourami? Tank Mates
Are you an aquarium hobbyist who is often faced with the challenge of selecting tankmates for your cherry shrimp? If yes, you have nothing to worry about because we’ve got you covered.
You know, cherry shrimps are delicate creatures, and they require lots of care and attention. They can be a little bit selective when it comes to tankmates, making you wonder whether they can coexist with dwarf gourami.
Well, the short answer is yes. Cherry shrimps can coexist with dwarf gourami. However, it requires strategic planning and tank management.
As earlier stated, you don’t have anything to worry about because we will walk you through everything you need to know about cherry shrimp coexisting with dwarf gourami.
We will go as deep as providing an expert answer to the question, “Can dwarf gourami live with cherry shrimp?” So keep scrolling.
What You Should Know About Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimps are gentle invertebrates that flourish in planted aquariums and are known for their beautiful red colour. They are members of the Neocaridina genus and are popular among aquarists of all skill levels
You know, cherry shrimps are mostly recognised for their non-aggressive behaviour and diet. They feed on both plant matter and other tiny creatures that can fit into their mouth.
They are friendly with a broad variety of calm aquarium species, including tiny fish and other invertebrates. They are, nevertheless, susceptible to predation by bigger or more aggressive tankmates.
Their function in aquarium ecology includes algae management and cleaning, making them an essential component of any tank. They are generally active throughout the day, and their scavenging behaviour can be quite entertaining to watch.
What You Should Know About Dwarf Gourami
Dwarf Gourami, on the other hand, are captivating labyrinth fish. They are members of the Trichogaster genus and are recognised for their bright colours which include hues of blue, red, and yellow.
They normally grow to be 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) long, making them a good option for modest aquarium settings.
Also, dwarf gouramis are typically calm, making them ideal for community aquariums. They are more active throughout the day and have unique swimming patterns.
It is important to note that they may become territorial, particularly during mating or when they feel threatened.
Is Dwarf Gourami A Bully?
Probably you’re considering introducing dwarf gourami into your cherry shrimp tank, but you’re skeptical because you do not know whether they are bullies or not.
Well, the truth is, dwarf gouramis are not naturally bullies, however, it’s very important for you to note their territorial behaviour.
While they are normally calm and get along well with a wide range of tankmates, the following reasons might cause territorial behaviour;
Mating
Male dwarf gouramis might become more territorial during the breeding season as they establish and defend territories to attract females. This is normal behaviour and you should not see it as hostility
Limited Hiding Spots
Dwarf gouramis may display territorial behaviour if you are keeping them in aquariums with limited hiding spaces or congested settings as they battle for space.
Individual Variation
It’s crucial for you to note that each fish has its own temperament, and behaviour might vary from one to the next. Some dwarf gouramis are more aggressive than others.
Tricks To Stop Dwarf Gouramis From Eating Shrimp
You know, strategic planning and tank management are required to ensure the harmonious cohabitation of cherry shrimp and dwarf gouramis.
Now, here are some crucial tips for keeping dwarf gourami away from your prized shrimps:
Get A Large Tank
Size matters a lot when you are planning to keep these species together. A bigger tank (a minimum of 20 gallons is recommended) provides more swimming space and reduces territorial behaviour.
Provide Ample Hiding Places
Hiding places are essential for the protection and well-being of your cherry shrimp from dwarf gouramis.
The use of live or artificial plants, caves, and decorations creates hiding spots, offering refuge to your shrimps when Dwarf Gouramis become overly active.
Feed Dwarf Gouramis Adequately
Dwarf gouramis need continuous and proper feeding. If you provide them with a varied diet frequently, it will help minimize their hunting tendencies, reducing their urge to prey on your shrimps.
Keep Large-Sized Shrimp
When choosing tank mates for dwarf gouramis, use bigger shrimp species like amano or bamboo shrimp. If your shrimps are large, it will be difficult for dwarf gourami to see them as prey.
Introduce Dwarf Gouramis To A Shrimp Tank
Instead of adding your cherry shrimp to a tank with established Dwarf Gouramis, introduce Dwarf Gouramis to a pre-existing shrimp tank.
This technique helps the fish gradually adjust to the shrimp’s environment, perhaps lowering territorial behaviour.
What Shrimp Is Best for Gourami?Â
- Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)
- Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis)
- Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes spp.)
- Vampire Shrimp (Atya gabonensis)
- Bee Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis)
- Red Crystal Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis)
- Blue Tiger Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis)
- Tangerine Tiger Shrimp (Caridina serrata)
- Yellow Shrimp (Neocaridina heteropoda)
- Snowball Shrimp (Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white)
What tankmates should cherry shrimp avoid?Â
- Large Cichlids (e.g., Oscars)
- Predatory Fish (e.g., Bettas)
- Aggressive Fish (e.g., Barbs)
- Larger Crustaceans (e.g., Crayfish)
- Puffers (e.g., Figure 8 Puffer)
- Fish with Sharp Beaks (e.g., Archerfish)
- Arowanas
- Archerfish
- Larger Gouramis
- Frogs (e.g., African Clawed Frogs)
ConclusionÂ
As you can see, the question Can cherry shrimp live with dwarf gourami?” has been fully answered in this blog post.
However, here are some very important points to take note; To keep cherry shrimp and dwarf gourami together, you have to plan carefully, consider tank size, provide hiding spots, and select appropriate shrimp species.
By following these guidelines and selecting compatible tank mates, you can create a captivating and peaceful aquatic habitat where both Cherry shrimp and Dwarf Gouramis thrive, enhancing the beauty and diversity of your aquarium.
FAQs
Yes, cherry shrimp and dwarf gourami can live, but it takes careful planning, the right tank size, and strategic management.
To deter dwarf gouramis from preying on shrimp, give your shrimps plenty of hiding places, maintain bigger shrimp species, and feed dwarf gourami often.
Amano shrimp, bamboo shrimp, ghost shrimp, and other species that are bigger and less likely to be noticed as prey are suitable shrimp species for Dwarf Gourami aquariums.
Tank mates that are aggressive, predatory, or much bigger, such as giant cichlids, puffers, and larger gouramis, should be avoided by cherry shrimp.