Can Rubber Pleco (Rubbernose) live with Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp?
Caution — with care
Why
- No overlapping temperature: Rubber Pleco (Rubbernose) wants 68–77°F but Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp wants 79–86°F.
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 7.5.
Side-by-side
| Rubber Pleco (Rubbernose) | Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 68–77°F | 79–86°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 7.5–8.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 4–12 dGH | 4–8 dGH |
| Adult size | 4.5" | 0.8" |
| 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
Where to buy
- Rubber Pleco (Rubbernose): buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Cardinal Sulawesi 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 Rubber Pleco (Rubbernose) · …with Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp