๐Ÿ  Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Angelfish and Cherry Shrimp Live Together?

Updated September 23, 2026 ยท FishCare AI Editorial Team

โŒ Not Compatible โ€” Compatibility Score: 32/100
32/100 โ€” Not Compatible

Angelfish and Cherry Shrimp Compatibility Overview

Angelfish and Cherry Shrimp are generally not recommended to be housed together. Angelfish will eat adult cherry shrimp and all juveniles. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.

Compatibility factors for Angelfish and Cherry Shrimp
FactorAngelfishCherry ShrimpVerdict
Temperature74โ€“84ยฐF65โ€“80ยฐFโœ… 74โ€“80ยฐF
pH Range6.0โ€“7.56.5โ€“8.0โœ… 6.5โ€“7.5
Temperamentsemipeacefulโš ๏ธ Monitor
Adult Size6 in0.8 inโŒ 8ร— difference
Min. Group1+10+See below
Min. Tank Size100 gallons (for both species)โ€”

Compatibility Positives

A stable shared temperature range is available.
Temperament risk is relatively low when normal group sizes are maintained.

Incompatibility Reasons

Angelfish will eat adult cherry shrimp and all juveniles.
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Their pH ranges overlap only partly, so aim for the shared band and keep it steady.

Species Profiles

Angelfish โ€” Pterophyllum scalare

Angelfish and Cherry Shrimp compatibility โ€” Angelfish

Elegant South American cichlids with long flowing fins. Generally peaceful but territorial when breeding and will eat very small fish.

โ†’ Full Angelfish care guide

Cherry Shrimp โ€” Neocaridina davidi

Bright red freshwater shrimp that are excellent algae cleaners. Very small โ€” at risk from any fish large enough to eat them.

โ†’ Full Cherry Shrimp care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Angelfish live with Cherry Shrimp?

Generally not recommended. Angelfish and Cherry Shrimp are generally not recommended to be housed together. Angelfish will eat adult cherry shrimp and all juveniles. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.

What tank size do I need for Angelfish and Cherry Shrimp together?

A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Angelfish and Cherry Shrimp together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Angelfish and Cherry Shrimp?

74โ€“80ยฐF โ€” inside Angelfish's 74โ€“84ยฐF and Cherry Shrimp's 65โ€“80ยฐF.

Is a Angelfish aggressive toward a Cherry Shrimp?

The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.

Related Compatibility Guides

Tank Size for Angelfish and Cherry Shrimp

Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.

ScenarioTankWhen it applies
Minimum viable100 galOnly for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring.
Recommended community150 galAdds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior.
Low-conflict setup220 galBest when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure.