Can Blue Phantom Pleco live with Super Crystal Red Shrimp?
Caution — with care
Why
- No overlapping temperature: Blue Phantom Pleco wants 75–82°F but Super Crystal Red Shrimp wants 62–72°F.
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 6.5–6.8.
- No overlapping water hardness: Blue Phantom Pleco wants 5.5–7 dGH but Super Crystal Red Shrimp wants 0–4 dGH.
Side-by-side
| Blue Phantom Pleco | Super Crystal Red Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–82°F | 62–72°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.6 | 5.8–6.8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 5.5–7 dGH | 0–4 dGH |
| Adult size | 7" | 1.2" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 55 gal | 10 gal |
Together, plan on at least 55 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
- Blue Phantom Pleco: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Super Crystal Red 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 Blue Phantom Pleco · …with Super Crystal Red Shrimp