Cherry Shrimp and Oscar Compatibility Overview
Cherry Shrimp and Oscar are generally not recommended to be housed together. Oscars will eat cherry shrimp. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Cherry Shrimp | Oscar | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65โ80ยฐF | 74โ81ยฐF | โ 74โ80ยฐF |
| pH Range | 6.5โ8.0 | 6.0โ8.0 | โ 6.5โ8.0 |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | โ Risk |
| Adult Size | 0.8 in | 14 in | โ 18ร difference |
| Min. Group | 10+ | 1+ | 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
Oscar โ Astronotus ocellatus
Intelligent but aggressive cichlids that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouth. Require large tanks (75+ gallons) and robust tank mates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cherry Shrimp live with Oscar?
Generally not recommended. Cherry Shrimp and Oscar are generally not recommended to be housed together. Oscars will eat cherry shrimp. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Cherry Shrimp and Oscar together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Cherry Shrimp and Oscar together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Cherry Shrimp and Oscar?
74โ80ยฐF โ inside Cherry Shrimp's 65โ80ยฐF and Oscar's 74โ81ยฐF.
Is a Cherry Shrimp aggressive toward a Oscar?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Cherry Shrimp and Oscar
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. |