Can Cardinal Shrimp live with Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp?
Caution — with care
Why
- Cardinal Shrimp and Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp are the same species — they interbreed and their offspring revert to muddy wild-type colour.
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 8 dGH.
Sweet spot: both do well at 79–84°F and pH 7.5–8.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Cardinal Shrimp | Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 79–84°F | 79–86°F |
| pH | 7.5–8.5 | 7.5–8.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 8–18 dGH | 4–8 dGH |
| Adult size | 0.8" | 0.8" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 15 gal | 10 gal |
Together, plan on at least 15 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: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Cardinal Shrimp: 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 Cardinal Shrimp · …with Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp