🐠 Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Cherry Shrimp Live With Dwarf Gourami?

✅ Compatible — Compatibility Score: 75/100
75/100 — Compatible

Compatibility Overview

Cherry Shrimp and Dwarf Gourami can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges, 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.

FactorCherry ShrimpDwarf GouramiVerdict
Temperature65–80°F72–82°F✅ 72–80°F
pH Range6.5–8.06.0–7.5✅ 6.5–7.5
Temperamentpeacefulsemi⚠️ Monitor
Adult Size0.8 in3.5 in❌ 4× difference
Min. Group10+1+See below
Min. Tank Size75 gallons (for both species)

✅ Compatibility Positives

Good temperature overlap: both species thrive at 72–80°F.
pH ranges are compatible: workable range is 6.5–7.5.
Cherry Shrimp must be kept in groups of 10+.

⚠️ Caution Points

⚠️Minor aggression possible from the semi-aggressive species; provide hiding spots.
⚠️Significant size difference (3.5 in vs 0.8 in) — the larger species may out-compete for food or intimidate the smaller.

Species Profiles

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.

→ Full Cherry Shrimp care guide

Dwarf Gourami — Trichogaster lalius

Colourful labyrinth fish that is generally peaceful but can be territorial toward similar species. Susceptible to Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus.

→ Full Dwarf Gourami care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cherry Shrimp live with Dwarf Gourami?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. Cherry Shrimp and Dwarf Gourami can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges, 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 Cherry Shrimp and Dwarf Gourami together?

A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for keeping Cherry Shrimp and Dwarf Gourami together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Cherry Shrimp and Dwarf Gourami?

72–80°F

Is a Cherry Shrimp aggressive toward a Dwarf Gourami?

Cherry Shrimp is peaceful and Dwarf Gourami is semi. Minor aggression possible from the semi-aggressive species; provide hiding spots.