Can Thick-lipped Gourami live with Cardinal Shrimp?
Not recommended
Why
- Thick-lipped Gourami will eat adult Cardinal Shrimp (a small dwarf shrimp).
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 7.5–7.6.
- No overlapping water hardness: Thick-lipped Gourami wants 6–7.5 dGH but Cardinal Shrimp wants 8–18 dGH.
Side-by-side
| Thick-lipped Gourami | Cardinal Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 79–84°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.6 | 7.5–8.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 6–7.5 dGH | 8–18 dGH |
| Adult size | 3.5" | 0.8" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 30 gal | 15 gal |
Together, plan on at least 30 gallons.
Compatible alternatives
Instead of Thick-lipped Gourami (to keep Cardinal Shrimp):
- Platy — 2.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) — 2.5", semi-aggressive buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Variatus Platy — 2.75", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Instead of Cardinal Shrimp (to keep Thick-lipped Gourami):
- 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
- Thick-lipped Gourami: 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 Thick-lipped Gourami · …with Cardinal Shrimp