Cherry Shrimp and Discus Compatibility Overview
Cherry Shrimp and Discus are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. There is no shared temperature: Cherry Shrimp needs 65โ80ยฐF and Discus needs 82โ88ยฐF. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Cherry Shrimp | Discus | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65โ80ยฐF | 82โ88ยฐF | โ No overlap |
| pH Range | 6.5โ8.0 | 5.0โ7.0 | โ ๏ธ 6.5โ7.0 (narrow) |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi | โ ๏ธ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 0.8 in | 8 in | โ 10ร difference |
| Min. Group | 10+ | 5+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
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
Discus โ Symphysodon spp.
The 'king of the aquarium' โ beautiful but demanding. Requires very warm, soft, acidic water that excludes most community fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cherry Shrimp live with Discus?
Generally not recommended. Cherry Shrimp and Discus are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. There is no shared temperature: Cherry Shrimp needs 65โ80ยฐF and Discus needs 82โ88ยฐF. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Cherry Shrimp and Discus together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Cherry Shrimp and Discus together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Cherry Shrimp and Discus?
There is no safe shared range: Cherry Shrimp needs 65โ80ยฐF and Discus needs 82โ88ยฐF.
Is a Cherry Shrimp aggressive toward a Discus?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Cherry Shrimp and Discus
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 100 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 150 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 220 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |