Can Amano Shrimp live with Blue Phantom Pleco?
Light caution
Why
- Blue Phantom Pleco is much larger than Amano Shrimp but is not a shrimp hunter — it may take a shrimplet or clean up a moult. Adults are safe with cover.
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 6–7 dGH.
Sweet spot: both do well at 75–80°F and pH 6.5–7.6 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Amano Shrimp | Blue Phantom Pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–80°F | 75–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.8 | 6.5–7.6 |
| Hardness (GH) | 6–15 dGH | 5.5–7 dGH |
| Adult size | 2" | 7" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 10 gal | 55 gal |
Together, plan on at least 55 gallons.
How to make it work
- Keep a large, established shrimp colony in a heavily planted tank with moss and cover so enough survive to breed.
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: A larger tank · GH remineraliser
Where to buy
- Amano Shrimp: buy at The Shrimp Farm · The Shrimp Farm live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Design the whole tank, not just the stocking
Skapelab plans a complete, buildable planted aquarium around your fish — a hand-illustrated layout, the exact plants and hardscape, a placement map, and a full equipment and shopping list. Free.
Design a tank with Amano Shrimp, Blue Phantom Pleco →Everything compatible with Amano Shrimp · …with Blue Phantom Pleco