Can Cherry Shrimp live with Variatus Platy?
Light caution
Why
- Variatus Platy leaves adult Cherry Shrimp alone but eats the babies — the colony survives with plenty of cover.
Sweet spot: both do well at 65–77°F and pH 7–7.8 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Cherry Shrimp | Variatus Platy | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–78°F | 65–77°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.8 | 7–8.2 |
| Hardness (GH) | 4–14 dGH | 10–25 dGH |
| Adult size | 1" | 2.75" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 5 gal | 15 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
- Cherry Shrimp: buy at Buce Plant · Buce Plant live-arrival guarantee
- Variatus Platy: 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 Variatus Platy