๐Ÿ  Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Cherry Shrimp and Koi Live Together?

Updated September 23, 2026 ยท FishCare AI Editorial Team

โŒ Not Compatible โ€” Compatibility Score: 18/100
18/100 โ€” Not Compatible

Cherry Shrimp and Koi Compatibility Overview

Cherry Shrimp and Koi are generally not recommended to be housed together. Koi is a cool-water fish and Cherry Shrimp is tropical, so the usable temperature range decides this pairing. Koi will eat cherry shrimp. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.

Compatibility factors for Cherry Shrimp and Koi
FactorCherry ShrimpKoiVerdict
Temperature65โ€“80ยฐF50โ€“75ยฐFโœ… 65โ€“75ยฐF
pH Range6.5โ€“8.07.0โ€“8.5โœ… 7.0โ€“8.0
Temperamentpeacefulpeacefulโœ… Compatible
Adult Size0.8 in24 inโŒ 30ร— difference
Min. Group10+2+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

Koi is a cool-water fish and Cherry Shrimp is tropical, so the usable temperature range decides this pairing.
Koi will eat cherry shrimp.
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

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

Koi โ€” Cyprinus rubrofuscus

Cherry Shrimp and Koi compatibility โ€” Koi

Large pond fish that require hundreds of gallons and cool water. Will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouth.

โ†’ Full Koi care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cherry Shrimp live with Koi?

Generally not recommended. Cherry Shrimp and Koi are generally not recommended to be housed together. Koi is a cool-water fish and Cherry Shrimp is tropical, so the usable temperature range decides this pairing. Koi will eat cherry shrimp. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.

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

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

What temperature suits both Cherry Shrimp and Koi?

65โ€“75ยฐF โ€” inside Cherry Shrimp's 65โ€“80ยฐF and Koi's 50โ€“75ยฐF.

Is a Cherry Shrimp aggressive toward a Koi?

The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.

Related Compatibility Guides

Tank Size for Cherry Shrimp and Koi

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.