Can Ghost Shrimp live with Royal Pleco?
Light caution
Why
- Royal Pleco is much larger than Ghost Shrimp but is not a shrimp hunter — it may take a shrimplet or clean up a moult. Adults are safe with cover.
Sweet spot: both do well at 73–82°F and pH 6.5–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Ghost Shrimp | Royal Pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–82°F | 73–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 5–15 dGH | 4–12 dGH |
| Adult size | 1.5" | 17" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 5 gal | 120 gal |
Together, plan on at least 120 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.
Sort it with: A larger tank · GH remineraliser
Design the whole tank, not just the stocking
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Design a tank with Ghost Shrimp, Royal Pleco →Everything compatible with Ghost Shrimp · …with Royal Pleco