Can Crystal Red Shrimp live with Otocinclus Catfish?
Light caution
Why
- Otocinclus Catfish will eat Crystal Red Shrimp shrimplets. The colony still grows if there is moss or another dense hiding place for the babies.
Sweet spot: both do well at 72–76°F and pH 6–6.8 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Crystal Red Shrimp | Otocinclus Catfish | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 68–76°F | 72–79°F |
| pH | 5.8–6.8 | 6–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 3–6 dGH | 2–10 dGH |
| Adult size | 1" | 1.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 5 gal | 10 gal |
Together, plan on at least 10 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
- Otocinclus Catfish: 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
Skapelab plans a complete, buildable planted aquarium around your fish — a hand-illustrated layout, the exact plants and hardscape, a placement map, and a full equipment and shopping list. Free.
Design a tank with Crystal Red Shrimp, Otocinclus Catfish →Everything compatible with Crystal Red Shrimp · …with Otocinclus Catfish