Are you considering setting up a tank with both betta fish and cherry shrimp? It’s a popular combination, but before you get the tank set up, you’ll want to be sure that your betta won’t consider your cherry shrimp a tasty snack.
The truth is, bettas will sometimes eat cherry shrimp, but there are ways to help keep your shrimp safe.
In this article, we’ll reveal the truth about bettas and cherry shrimp, including what you can do to create a peaceful tank environment for both.
Read on to find out more!
Will Bettas Eat Cherry Shrimp?
Bettas, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a popular species of aquarium fish.
While they are usually kept alone in a tank, many aquarists are curious about adding other fish and invertebrates to the tank.
One option is cherry shrimp, but many people wonder if bettas will eat them.
The answer is both yes and no.
Bettas are carnivores and might be tempted to snack on the shrimp if they are small enough.
On the other hand, if the shrimp are big enough, the betta may not be able to catch them.
Bettas are not known for their speed and agility, so if the shrimp are too quick and agile, the betta may not be able to get them.
Also, some bettas may have no interest in eating cherry shrimp.
Bettas have their own individual personalities, so while some may be tempted to snack on the shrimp, others may not.
It can be difficult to tell how each betta will respond to the addition of cherry shrimp.
For those who want to add cherry shrimp to a tank with a betta, it is important to keep an eye on the situation.
Make sure that the shrimp are large enough so that the betta can’t catch them, and watch to make sure that the betta is not trying to eat them.
If the betta does start snacking on the shrimp, it may be best to remove them from the tank.
What Kind Of Shrimp Can Live With Bettas?
When it comes to keeping shrimp with bettas, size, temperament, and diet should all be taken into consideration.
Generally, small, peaceful shrimp with a similar diet to bettas are the best option as bettas are territorial and may bully or attack larger or more aggressive shrimp.
The best options for keeping shrimp with bettas include cherry shrimp, crystal red shrimp, and Amano shrimp.
These shrimp are usually quite peaceful and their diet mainly consists of algae and betta leftovers.
It’s important to remember, however, that these shrimp are mostly scavengers and should not be overfed.
In addition to smaller shrimp, ghost shrimp and bamboo shrimp can also live peacefully with bettas.
These larger species can reach up to 3 inches in size, so they may require a larger tank.
To sum up, when selecting shrimp to keep with bettas, size, temperament, and diet must be taken into account.
Smaller species such as cherry shrimp, crystal red shrimp, and Amano shrimp are the best options.
Larger species, such as ghost shrimp and bamboo shrimp, can also cohabitate with bettas if they have enough space.
What Fish Not To Keep With Cherry Shrimp?
When it comes to keeping fish with cherry shrimp, it’s important to remember that not all fish species are compatible.
Large, aggressive species such as cichlids and goldfish should be avoided, as they may outcompete the shrimp for food, and cause them stress and injury.
Similarly, fish that are known to feed on shrimp, such as certain species of loaches, catfish, tetra, and barbs, should also be avoided.
Additionally, fast-moving species such as minnows, danios, and rasboras may be too quick for the shrimp to catch food.
For the best results, choose slow-moving, peaceful species such as mollies, platies, and swords.
What Shrimp Can Live With Betta Fish?
Shrimp can be a great addition to a betta fish tank, and there are three types that can live with them: Ghost Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and Cherry Shrimp. Ghost Shrimp are small and usually a clear or pale brown color, up to two inches in size. They are peaceful and active, an ideal choice for a betta tank. The Amano Shrimp, also known as Caridina multidentata, is a larger shrimp, up to four inches in size, and is typically dark brown. It’s also peaceful, a great algae-eater, and helps keep the tank clean. The Cherry Shrimp, or Neocaridina heteropoda, is usually a bright red, but can also be brown, orange, yellow, or blue, and is also a great algae-eater.
For all three types of shrimp to be successful in a betta tank, the tank must be large enough for them to have plenty of space and have hiding places such as plants, rocks, and driftwood.
In addition, the water must be well-maintained and have regular water changes and a good filtration system.
If all these conditions are met, then all three of these types of shrimp should do well in a betta tank.
How Many Cherry Shrimp In 5 Gallon With Betta?
When deciding how many cherry shrimp to keep in a 5-gallon tank with a betta, there are several important factors to consider.
These include the size of the tank, the type of filter, the water temperature, and the other inhabitants.
As a general rule of thumb, no more than five to ten cherry shrimp per gallon of water should be kept, so for a five-gallon tank, the maximum number of shrimp should be 25 to 50.
Remember to take the size of the shrimp into account as well, as larger shrimp may need more space and food than smaller ones.
Additionally, be sure to have a filter with adjustable flow, as some filters may be too strong for the delicate shrimp and cause them to get sucked up.
It’s also important to take into account that bettas are territorial and can be aggressive towards other fish.
Therefore, make sure there are enough hiding spots and decorations to provide the shrimp with plenty of places to hide and feel secure.
To reduce stress levels, you may want to include some floating plants as well.
Overall, the number of cherry shrimp you can keep in a 5-gallon tank with a betta depends heavily on the factors mentioned above.
As a general guide, a well-maintained 5-gallon tank should be able to comfortably house 25 to 50 cherry shrimp.
Final Thoughts
It’s true – bettas will sometimes eat cherry shrimp.
However, with the right precautions, it’s possible to create a peaceful tank environment for both.
To increase the chances of success, make sure to keep your tank clean and well-maintained, and provide plenty of hiding places for your shrimp.
By following these simple tips, you can create a beautiful tank with both bettas and cherry shrimp.
Now that you know the truth, you can confidently set up your tank and enjoy the many benefits of this stunning combination.