Can Cherry Shrimp live with Dwarf Gourami?
High risk due to water mismatch, aggression, or predation.
Why Cherry Shrimp and Dwarf Gourami Don't Make an Easy Pair
There is no temperature overlap — Cherry Shrimp needs 64-76°F while Dwarf Gourami needs 77-82°F. One of them will be outside its safe range constantly, which leads to chronic stress and disease. The size gap is 2.3" — Cherry Shrimp (1.2") and Dwarf Gourami (3.5"). A fish that fits in another fish's mouth will eventually end up there.
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
| Adult Size: | 1.2" |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Tank: | 5 gal |
| Temperature: | 64-76°F |
| pH Range: | 6.5-7.5 |
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
| Adult Size: | 3.5" |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Tank: | 20 gal |
| Temperature: | 77-82°F |
| pH Range: | 6.5-7.5 |
Water Parameter Overlap
| Parameter | Cherry Shrimp | Dwarf Gourami | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 64-76°F | 77-82°F | No overlap ✗ |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 | 6.5-7.5 | 1.0 ✓ |
Compatibility Breakdown
Temperament Match: peaceful + peaceful. Both peaceful → minimal conflict.
⚠️ Size Predation Risk: Cherry Shrimp (1.2") vs Dwarf Gourami (3.5"). A 2.3" gap — the larger fish will view the smaller fish as food.
Score: 20.0/100 (GOOD ≥80, CAUTION ≥50, RISKY <50).
🔧 Tank Setup Requirements (for Both)
- Minimum tank: 20 gallons — sized for the larger fish in the pair.
- Temperature: no safe overlap range exists. A heater is not enough to fix this pairing.
- pH: maintain 6.5 – 7.5.
- 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:
Beneficial bacteria for tank cycling
Explore Related Checks
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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.