Can Cardinal Tetra live with Crystal Red Shrimp?
Light caution
Why
- Cardinal Tetra leaves adult Crystal Red Shrimp alone but eats the babies — the colony survives with plenty of cover.
Sweet spot: both do well at 73–76°F and pH 5.8–6.8 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Cardinal Tetra | Crystal Red Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 68–76°F |
| pH | 5–7 | 5.8–6.8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 1–6 dGH | 3–6 dGH |
| Adult size | 2" | 1" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 15 gal | 5 gal |
Together, plan on at least 15 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.
Where to buy
- Cardinal Tetra: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Crystal Red Shrimp: 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 Cardinal Tetra · …with Crystal Red Shrimp