Can Blue Velvet Shrimp live with Clown Pleco?
Light caution
Why
- Clown Pleco is much larger than Blue Velvet Shrimp but is not a shrimp hunter — it may take a shrimplet or clean up a moult. Adults are safe with cover.
- Clown Pleco will eat Blue Velvet Shrimp shrimplets. The colony still grows if there is moss or another dense hiding place for the babies.
Sweet spot: both do well at 73–78°F and pH 6.5–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Blue Velvet Shrimp | Clown Pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–78°F | 73–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.8 | 6–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 4–14 dGH | 4–12 dGH |
| Adult size | 1" | 3.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 5 gal | 30 gal |
Together, plan on at least 30 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.
Sort it with: A larger tank
Where to buy
- Blue Velvet 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
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Design a tank with Blue Velvet Shrimp, Clown Pleco →Everything compatible with Blue Velvet Shrimp · …with Clown Pleco