Can Cherry Shrimp live with Ocellaris Clownfish?
High risk due to water mismatch, aggression, or predation.
Why Cherry Shrimp and Ocellaris Clownfish Don't Make an Easy Pair
The temperament mismatch (peaceful + semi-aggressive) makes this a high-risk pairing. Injuries, stress, and hiding behavior are likely.
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
| Adult Size: | 1.2" |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Tank: | 5 gal |
| Temperature: | 64-76°F |
| pH Range: | 6.5-7.5 |
Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
| Adult Size: | 3.0" |
| Temperament: | semi-aggressive |
| Min Tank: | 20 gal |
| Temperature: | 74-80°F |
| pH Range: | 8.1-8.4 |
Water Parameter Overlap
| Parameter | Cherry Shrimp | Ocellaris Clownfish | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 64-76°F | 74-80°F | 2°F ✓ |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 | 8.1-8.4 | No overlap ✗ |
Compatibility Breakdown
Temperament Match: peaceful + semi-aggressive. Semi-aggressive → watch territory and feeding.
Score: 40/100 (GOOD ≥80, CAUTION ≥50, RISKY <50).
🔧 Tank Setup Requirements (for Both)
- Minimum tank: 20 gallons — sized for the larger fish in the pair.
- Temperature: keep it between 74°F and 76°F.
- pH: no shared range. One species will be outside its tolerance regardless of what you set.
- Hiding spots: essential for Cherry Shrimp — caves, plants, or driftwood to retreat when feeling stressed.
- Water changes: 25% weekly minimum. Two species mean double the bioload.
🔧 Tank Stocking Calculator
Enter tank size to calculate safe stocking levels:
Recommended Equipment
Based on tank size 20+ gallons:
Marine pellet food for clownfish
Explore Related Checks
See what else works with these fish:
⚠️ Common Reasons This Pairing Fails in Practice
- Narrow temperature margin: Only 2°F of overlap means a stuck heater or seasonal temperature swing can push one species out of its comfort zone.
- Overcrowding: Even compatible species fail in tanks that are too small. Double the species means double the bioload — 25% weekly water changes are the minimum.
- Inadequate acclimation: Adding both species on the same day without quarantine is a common mistake. Always drip-acclimate new arrivals and quarantine for 2–4 weeks.
Tools & Resources
Accuracy note: This tool uses expert rules + FishBase.org data. Individual fish behavior varies — a peaceful individual Cherry Shrimp may act differently from its species average. Always observe, quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks, and avoid overcrowding. If a pairing says CAUTION, start with a smaller group and a lid.