Bristlenose Pleco and Cherry Shrimp Compatibility Overview
Short answer: Yes. Both do well at 65-80°F and both are peaceful. Match the tank size and group size in the table below and both should do well.
Bristlenose Pleco and Cherry Shrimp can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Both species are peaceful, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 75-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
| Factor | Bristlenose Pleco | Cherry Shrimp | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 60–80°F | 65–80°F | ✅ 65–80°F |
| pH Range | 6.5–7.5 | 6.5–8.0 | ✅ 6.5–7.5 |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | ✅ Compatible |
| Adult Size | 5 in | 0.8 in | ❌ 6× difference |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 10+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 75 gallons (for both species) | — | |
Compatibility Positives
Caution Points
Species Profiles
Bristlenose Pleco — Ancistrus sp.
Hardy armoured catfish that grazes on algae. Peaceful with virtually all species; tolerates a wide temperature range.
→ Full Bristlenose Pleco care guide
Cherry Shrimp — Neocaridina davidi
Bright red freshwater shrimp that are excellent algae cleaners. Very small — at risk from any fish large enough to eat them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bristlenose Pleco live with Cherry Shrimp?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. Bristlenose Pleco and Cherry Shrimp can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Both species are peaceful, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 75-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
What tank size do I need for Bristlenose Pleco and Cherry Shrimp together?
A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for keeping Bristlenose Pleco and Cherry Shrimp together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Bristlenose Pleco and Cherry Shrimp?
65–80°F — inside Bristlenose Pleco's 60–80°F and Cherry Shrimp's 65–80°F.
Is a Bristlenose Pleco aggressive toward a Cherry Shrimp?
Bristlenose Pleco is peaceful and Cherry Shrimp is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
More Good Tank Mates for Bristlenose Pleco and Cherry Shrimp
The highest-scoring compatible partners for each species in our compatibility data.
For Bristlenose Pleco
- Rosy Barb — 98/100
- Denison Barb — 97/100
- Hillstream Loach — 96/100
- Zebra Loach — 96/100
- Keyhole Cichlid — 95/100
For Cherry Shrimp
- Glowlight Danio — 96/100
- Nerite Snail — 96/100
- Pygmy Corydoras — 93/100
- Mystery Snail — 91/100
- Neon Tetra — 91/100
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Bristlenose Pleco and Cherry Shrimp
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 75 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 125 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 150 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |