Can Cherry Shrimp live with Chocolate Gourami?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow temperature overlap — keep both around 78°F.
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 6.5.
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 4–5 dGH.
- Chocolate Gourami leaves adult Cherry Shrimp alone but eats the babies — the colony survives with plenty of cover.
Sweet spot: both do well at 78–78°F and pH 6.5–6.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Cherry Shrimp | Chocolate Gourami | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–78°F | 78–86°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.8 | 4–6.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 4–14 dGH | 0–5 dGH |
| Adult size | 1" | 2" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 5 gal | 15 gal |
Together, plan on at least 15 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- Keep a large, established shrimp colony in a heavily planted tank with moss and cover so enough survive to breed.
Sort it with: An adjustable heater → Chewy GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Cherry Shrimp: buy at Buce Plant · Buce Plant live-arrival guarantee
- Chocolate 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 Cherry Shrimp · …with Chocolate Gourami