Shrimp socialization - crossbreeding table

Shrimp with shrimp

Different colorings of the genus Neocaridina have mostly wild colored offspring. In the following generations colored animals appear again and again, but the majority is brownish-transparent and relatively unspectacular. Even here there are a few exceptions, for example Blue Jelly, Blue Rili, Red Rili and Red Fire or Sakura can be kept together without wild colored offspring, because these colors are closely related.

Red and black bee shrimp groups will have a majority of red and black shrimp, but over time animals with more brownish undertones will accumulate. 

Bee, Shadow/Taiwan and Tiger shrimp also mix, as do all other shrimp (e.g. Tangerine Tiger or Aura Blue) from the Caridina serrata group. Here, however, crossbreeding is often done on purpose, because the hybrids, the so-called tiger bees, tibees or taitibees, look very attractive and many new color strokes and patterns are created in their offspring.

Dwarf shrimp that are not closely related can be put together without risk of crossbreeding, but this says nothing about the requirements of the animals! Different shrimps may need very different water values, so you should never just mix them. In case of doubt, a species tank is generally preferable.

Fan shrimp can be socialized well with each other, and also with dwarf shrimp the coexistence works without problems. 

Large-armed shrimp, on the other hand, are not well compatible - dwarf shrimp like to be seen as a snack, and even similarly sized fan shrimp become prey at the latest during the next molt. So they should not be socialized with other shrimp.

Before putting two different shrimp strains together, a quarantine is recommended, so that the animals can get used to the different bacteria. To do this, place the animals separately and exchange about 250 ml of water between the aquariums every day for two weeks. 

Shrimp with fish

Dwarf shrimp should not be socialized with large, potentially predatory fish, as they fit perfectly into their prey pattern. Basically, what fits in the mouth gets eaten. Some fish go even further and add: ... and what doesn't fit will be made to fit. 

Even with the so-called nano fish, at least the tiny shrimp offspring is potentially endangered. Herbivores such as antenna catfish are safe - provided the aquarium size fits.

Fan shrimp should not be kept with curious fish such as guppies. Even if they are not eaten due to their size, they are still disturbed strongly and then retreat.

Large-armed shrimp are eaten by large fish and in turn chase smaller fish.

Shrimps with crayfish

Dwarf crayfish sometimes view dwarf shrimp as food. Dwarf shrimp can be socialized with large crayfish with relative ease. 

Fan shrimp like to be seen as prey and are attacked after molting at the latest. 

Large arm shrimp do not get along with crayfish, usually the crayfish are overwhelmed and eaten after molting at the latest.

Shrimps with snails

Dwarf and fan shrimp can be easily socialized with most snail species. Fan shrimp are even ideal aquarium companions with filter feeding snails, for example of the genera Brotia or Taia, because they also need a lot of fine food. Predatory snails have occasionally been observed preying on live shrimp.

Large-armed shrimp consider snails as food and will crack even hard shells.

Note on the crossbreeding table: Red crosses mean: Shrimp interbreed, do not put together (unless interbreeding is desired), gray circles mean: Shrimps do not interbreed (please still consider different requirements)

 Pictures : Chris Lukhaup / Crustahunter