Can German Blue Ram live with Cardinal Shrimp?
Not recommended
Why
- German Blue Ram will eat adult Cardinal Shrimp (a small dwarf shrimp).
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 8 dGH.
- No overlapping pH: German Blue Ram wants 5.5–7 but Cardinal Shrimp wants 7.5–8.5.
Side-by-side
| German Blue Ram | Cardinal Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 78–85°F | 79–84°F |
| pH | 5.5–7 | 7.5–8.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 1–8 dGH | 8–18 dGH |
| Adult size | 2.5" | 0.8" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 20 gal | 15 gal |
Together, plan on at least 20 gallons.
Compatible alternatives
Instead of German Blue Ram (to keep Cardinal Shrimp):
- Black Kuhli Loach — 3", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Bronze Cory — 2.75", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Pitbull Pleco — 2.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Instead of Cardinal Shrimp (to keep German Blue Ram):
- Flower Shrimp — 2.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Amano Shrimp — 2", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Bamboo / Wood Shrimp — 3.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Where to buy
- German Blue Ram: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Cardinal 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 German Blue Ram · …with Cardinal Shrimp