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Can Ghost Shrimp And Cherry Shrimp Live Together In A Tank?

Aaron Boyd May 2, 2023

We will always find a ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp on the list when we talk about unique aquatic species.

These are some of the most desired shrimps for aquariums, but keeping them together is the real question.

Keeping two different aquatic species in a single tank requires a lot of consideration. There are several things to evaluate before you put the two together in a confined space.

Will one hurt the other?

How similar or different are their environmental requirements? Will they mate or kill each other?

It would be best if you did your research on these essential subjects.

Thus, today, you and I will discuss everything there is to know about keeping ghost shrimps and cherry shrimps together.

Let’s begin!

The Similarities Between Ghost Shrimp And Cherry Shrimp

In order to decide whether the two species can live together peacefully, you must understand the similarities and differences between a ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp.

Here, I’ll make the comparison based on their size, lifespan, needs, and nature.

The maximum size of a ghost shrimp is approximately two inches.

A fully established and mature ghost shrimp will require a minimum of 10 gallons of water to swim freely.

In the case of a cherry shrimp, these grow approximately 1.6 inches in length. Thus, the two don’t have much of a difference in terms of size.

It means that they will not intimidate each other and require pretty much the same amount of space to live.

A Cherry shrimp can live about 1 to 2 years in ideal conditions. The average expected lifespan of a ghost shrimp is also one year.

However, in extreme ideal and suitable conditions, these shrimps can even live longer than that. However, this exception lasts a few weeks or months at maximum.

If you compare the two species’ water and environmental needs, there is not much of a difference there either.

Cherry shrimps feel comfortable in a temperature range of 57 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Ghost shrimps thrive in a range of 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

The two species have a common ground and can live together peacefully in a temperature that fits both their preferences.

Like temperature, Cherry shrimps and ghost shrimps have a common ground in terms of water pH.

The former prefers clean water with PH 6.5 to 8.0, whereas the latter has an optimal range of 7.0 to 8.0. Again, you can find a pH that fits them both and satisfy their needs to the maximum.

Cherry shrimps are omnivores, but the fun fact is that they love variety in their food.

They’re okay with almost all kinds of aquarium food, but they’re fond of algae wafers, shrimp pellets, carrots, zucchini, and other blanched vegetables.

Ghost shrimps don’t bother much either. You can satisfy their hunger with the different kinds of algae, detritus, and dead plants.

They also love shrimp or fish pellets, fish flakes, and, like Cherry shrimps, algae wafers.

Both cherry shrimps and ghost shrimps are famous for their peaceful nature and social behavior.

They are small, gentle, and harmless species, and keeping them together is not a problem. You don’t have to worry about one hurting or annoying the other.

Both cherry shrimps and ghost shrimps are very easy to breed.

They can carry 20 to 30 eggs, and they take several weeks to get pregnant and then a further couple of weeks to hatch.

The Differences Between Ghost Shrimp And Cherry Shrimp

Ghost shrimps are typically cheaper and more accessible compared to cherry shrimps.

If you’re trying to find budget-friendly options for your aquatic collection, cherry shrimps might be a little on the expensive side.

Indeed, ghost shrimps are affordable and accessible. However, they’re not colorful. Ghost shrimps are transparent, and they’re not the vibrant kind of species.

In contrast, as the name suggests, cherry shrimps have a beautiful red color to them, and they look very adorable swimming around in the tank.

Video: “HOW TO: Easy Cherry Shrimp Tank for Breeding”

If you compare the two, cherry shrimps are much easier to breed inside tanks.

Fill your tank with thick plant patches everywhere, and, in a matter of weeks, you’ll start seeing pregnant cherry shrimps with hundreds of shrimp eggs under their tails.

Indeed, ghost shrimps are also relatively easy to breed in the absence of predators. However, you will need a breeding tank and a little more care and patience in their case.

Ghost shrimps have green/grey eggs, while cherry shrimps carry green or yellow. In the latter’s case, the color of the egg depends on the saddle’s color.

The eggs then turn darker with time, and as they move towards their hatching state, you will see tiny dark spots inside the egg- these are the eyes of the developing shrimp.

Fun fact: If an egg detaches from the cherry shrimp’s legs, it is not rare to see them eat it.

Can I Mix Ghost Shrimp And Cherry Shrimp – The Final Verdict

In a nutshell, yes, you can keep a ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp together in a tank. The two go well together and have the compatibility to breed.

It will add variety to your aquarium, and the match doesn’t require individual care and supervision. The two have very similar care requirements, so it’s easy to take care of both species together.

Thus, if you are thinking about merging the two, go ahead. Just make sure you’ve made the right arrangements and take optimal care of their surroundings.

Also, make sure that the two species have plenty of space to move around. Regardless of how peaceful and social a fish is, it is always annoying to share space that is already pretty confined.

All in all, give them food, space, and lots of love, and they’ll do just fine!