Can Otocinclus Catfish live with Snowball Shrimp?
Light caution
Why
- Otocinclus Catfish will eat Snowball Shrimp shrimplets. The colony still grows if there is moss or another dense hiding place for the babies.
Sweet spot: both do well at 72–78°F and pH 6.5–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Otocinclus Catfish | Snowball Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79°F | 65–78°F |
| pH | 6–7.5 | 6.5–7.8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 2–10 dGH | 4–14 dGH |
| Adult size | 1.5" | 1" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 10 gal | 5 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 Otocinclus Catfish, Snowball Shrimp →Everything compatible with Otocinclus Catfish · …with Snowball Shrimp