Can Black King Kong Shrimp live with Thick-lipped Gourami?
Not recommended
Why
- Thick-lipped Gourami will eat adult Black King Kong Shrimp (a small dwarf shrimp).
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 6.5–6.6.
- No overlapping water hardness: Black King Kong Shrimp wants 2–5 dGH but Thick-lipped Gourami wants 6–7.5 dGH.
Side-by-side
| Black King Kong Shrimp | Thick-lipped Gourami | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 68–74°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 5.8–6.6 | 6.5–7.6 |
| Hardness (GH) | 2–5 dGH | 6–7.5 dGH |
| Adult size | 1" | 3.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 5 gal | 30 gal |
Together, plan on at least 30 gallons.
Compatible alternatives
Instead of Black King Kong Shrimp (to keep Thick-lipped Gourami):
- Amano Shrimp — 2", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Bamboo / Wood Shrimp — 3.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Vampire Shrimp — 6", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Instead of Thick-lipped Gourami (to keep Black King Kong Shrimp):
- Platy — 2.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Variatus Platy — 2.75", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) — 2.5", semi-aggressive buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Where to buy
- Black King Kong Shrimp: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Thick-lipped Gourami: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics 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.
Build a full tank around this stocking →Everything compatible with Black King Kong Shrimp · …with Thick-lipped Gourami