Can Zebra Pleco live with Red Shadow Panda Shrimp?
Caution — with care
Why
- No overlapping temperature: Zebra Pleco wants 79–88°F but Red Shadow Panda Shrimp wants 62–72°F.
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 6.5–6.8.
- No overlapping water hardness: Zebra Pleco wants 6–7 dGH but Red Shadow Panda Shrimp wants 0–4 dGH.
Side-by-side
| Zebra Pleco | Red Shadow Panda Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 79–88°F | 62–72°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.6 | 5.8–6.8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 6–7 dGH | 0–4 dGH |
| Adult size | 3.5" | 1.2" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 30 gal | 10 gal |
Together, plan on at least 30 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.
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: An adjustable heater → Chewy GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Zebra Pleco: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Red Shadow Panda 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 Zebra Pleco · …with Red Shadow Panda Shrimp