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