🐠 Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Cherry Shrimp and Ember Tetra Live Together?

Updated September 28, 2026 · FishCare AI Editorial Team

✅ Compatible — Compatibility Score: 78/100
78/100 — Compatible

Cherry Shrimp and Ember Tetra Compatibility Overview

Short answer: Yes. Both do well at 73-80°F and both are peaceful. Match the tank size and group size in the table below and both should do well.

Cherry Shrimp and Ember Tetra 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 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

Compatibility factors for Cherry Shrimp and Ember Tetra
FactorCherry ShrimpEmber TetraVerdict
Temperature65–80°F73–84°F✅ 73–80°F
pH Range6.5–8.05.5–7.0⚠️ 6.5–7.0 (narrow)
Temperamentpeacefulpeaceful✅ Compatible
Adult Size0.8 in0.8 in✅ Similar
Min. Group10+8+See below
Min. Tank Size20 gallons (for both species)—

Compatibility Positives

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

Caution Points

Their pH ranges overlap only partly, so aim for the shared band and keep it steady.

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

Ember Tetra — Hyphessobrycon amandae

Cherry Shrimp and Ember Tetra compatibility — Ember Tetra

Tiny orange-red schooling tetra that is among the most adaptable nano fish. Peaceful with everything too small to eat them.

→ Full Ember Tetra care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cherry Shrimp live with Ember Tetra?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. Cherry Shrimp and Ember Tetra 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 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

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

A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for keeping Cherry Shrimp and Ember Tetra together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Cherry Shrimp and Ember Tetra?

73–80°F — inside Cherry Shrimp's 65–80°F and Ember Tetra's 73–84°F.

Is a Cherry Shrimp aggressive toward a Ember Tetra?

Cherry Shrimp is peaceful and Ember Tetra is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.

More Good Tank Mates for Cherry Shrimp and Ember Tetra

The highest-scoring compatible partners for each species in our compatibility data.

For Cherry Shrimp

For Ember Tetra

Related Compatibility Guides

Tank Size for Cherry Shrimp and Ember Tetra

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

ScenarioTankWhen it applies
Minimum viable20 galOnly for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring.
Recommended community29 galAdds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior.
Low-conflict setup55 galBest when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure.