Can Cardinal Shrimp live with False Rummynose Tetra?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 8 dGH.
- False Rummynose Tetra leaves adult Cardinal Shrimp alone but eats the babies — the colony survives with plenty of cover.
- No overlapping pH: Cardinal Shrimp wants 7.5–8.5 but False Rummynose Tetra wants 5.5–7.
Side-by-side
| Cardinal Shrimp | False Rummynose Tetra | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 79–84°F | 75–82°F |
| pH | 7.5–8.5 | 5.5–7 |
| Hardness (GH) | 8–18 dGH | 2–8 dGH |
| Adult size | 0.8" | 2" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 15 gal | 20 gal |
Together, plan on at least 20 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- Keep a large, established shrimp colony in a heavily planted tank with moss and cover so enough survive to breed.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Cardinal Shrimp: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- False Rummynose Tetra: 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 False Rummynose Tetra