Can Blue Bolt Shrimp live with Candy Striped Pleco?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow temperature overlap — keep both around 73–74°F.
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 4–5 dGH.
Sweet spot: both do well at 73–74°F and pH 6–6.6 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Blue Bolt Shrimp | Candy Striped Pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 68–74°F | 73–82°F |
| pH | 5.8–6.6 | 6–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 2–5 dGH | 4–12 dGH |
| Adult size | 1" | 4" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 5 gal | 30 gal |
Together, plan on at least 30 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: An adjustable heater → Chewy GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Blue Bolt Shrimp: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Candy Striped Pleco: 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 Blue Bolt Shrimp · …with Candy Striped Pleco