It is a common belief that betta fishes cannot be paired with any other fish, and there is a high chance of attacking its tank mate. This is true to some extent, but this does not mean that your betta fish is destined to be alone. Here we will provide you with a guide to keep a cherry shrimp with betta fish.
Keeping cherry shrimp with betta fish is not that hard a task, and it is absolutely possible. If the temperament and tank conditions are just right, betta fish and cherry shrimp can live together in one tank peacefully. It all depends upon the individual personality of the betta fish and how aggressive it is towards other fishes.
Keeping Cherry Shrimp With Betta Fish
As mentioned earlier, you can keep cherry shrimp and a betta fish together in one tank if certain conditions are fulfilled. In the end, it all depends upon the temperament of your betta fish and how it reacts to the addition of a new tank mate.
It would be best to keep in mind that there is not a 100% guarantee that your betta fish will not attack or eat the cherry shrimp as bettas are born predators. So if you are planning to add a cherry shrimp with betta fish, you need to consider the fact that the betta may eat the shrimp.
Additionally, even if your betta fish eats cherry shrimp, it is indirectly good for your betta fish. It fulfills its hunting lust and provides it with all the necessary nutrients and proteins. So if you are morally fine with betta eating your cherry shrimp, these two can become good tank mates.
To avoid the cherry shrimp from being eaten or attacked by the betta fish, you can consider the following considerations before adding both the fish in one tank.
- Provide various hiding places in the form of decors like plants and caves to both the fishes.
- Use a tank that is at least 10 gallons for your betta and cherry shrimp to swim freely.
- If you are new to this, purchase a betta that has been living with a shrimp so as to avoid conflict.
- Add the betta fish last as it prevents it reserving the whole tank as its territory.
Thus, following a few basic rules like these can go a long way in establishing a peaceful relation between the betta fish and the cherry shrimp. If you already have a betta fish, then it is recommended to remove the cherry shrimp as soon as you see it getting attacked by the betta.
If you are comfortable in betta fish eating your cherry shrimp, then there is no issue as cherry shrimps are not hard to replace. Thus, you can add cherry shrimp with a betta as long as you keep your betta fish’s behavior in check.
Cherry Shrimp With Betta: Tank Conditions And Diet
Aside from the above-mentioned things, it would be best to consider whether or not a betta fish and a cherry shrimp are compatible with each other. Compatibility can be checked on the grounds of the required tank parameters and individual diets of each fish.
Tank condition is the most important thing to look into for the two tank mates to get along well. Parameters like water temperature, pH level, and filtration system play a pivotal role in determining the success of your tank.
Water Temperature
Fortunately, both the cherry shrimp and the betta fish require almost similar water temperatures. A betta fish requires a water temperature ranging between 76 and 82 degrees F. On the other hand, a cherry shrimp needs a water temperature between 77 and 81 degrees F. Thus, both the creatures like warm water.
Water pH Level
Like water temperature, cherry shrimp and betta fish both require similar water pH levels. A betta fish requires a water pH level between 6 and 8, while a cherry shrimp requires a pH ranging between 6.2 and 7.3. Thus, both the creatures like slightly acidic water.
Tank Size
At least a 10-gallon tank must be used to keep cherry shrimp with betta fish. A cherry shrimp alone requires a 5-gallon tank, while a betta fish needs at least a 3-gallon tank. Thus, a tank of 10 gallons must be optimized for both the creatures to swim freely.
However, it would help if you remembered that bigger is always better. Thus, if you can buy a bigger than 10 gallons tank, go ahead without hesitation.
Water Quality
Your tank must be equipped with a proper filtration system to keep the tank water clean. Aside from a filter, you should also add air stones to increase the oxygen concentration in the tank water. Water quality is important for the health and safety of your fish.
Keep in mind that sometimes cherry shrimps are sucked into the tank filter, resulting in its death. To avoid this, use a sponge filter. This prevents the shrimp from entering the filter.
Dietary Needs
Dietary needs are the least of your worries if we talk about cherry shrimp and betta fish. A good betta fish diet consists of betta pellets, daphnia, bloodworms, and flakes. You do not need to worry about food for the cherry shrimp.
As a matter of fact, cherry shrimps can not only eat and survive on the betta fish’s food but also feeds upon the algae growth in your tank, thereby making your tank look clean. Occasionally, you can feed algae wafers to your shrimp but do not overdo it.
FAQs Related to Cherry Shrimp With Betta
Will a betta eat cherry shrimp?
YES. A cherry shrimp is a good food source for your betta fish. However, you can keep a cherry shrimp with a betta as long as the required tank conditions and dietary needs are met.
What fish can be kept with cherry shrimps?
Generally, bottom feeders like catfish are a good choice. Additionally, you may add plecos, gouramis, and tetras with a cherry shrimp.
What fish can be kept with a betta fish?
Some suitable tank mates for a betta fish include –
– Kuhli Loaches
– Ember and neon tetras
– Bristlenose Plecos
– Harlequin Rasboras
– Cory Catfish
– Snails
– Shrimps
Final Thoughts
Keeping cherry shrimp with betta is not hard as long as you keep the tank conditions just right. Relation between the two fish depends on the temperament of the betta fish, and adding a cherry shrimp is not advisable if your betta is quite aggressive.
