Guppies With Shrimp: What Works and What Fails

Keeping guppies with shrimp sounds simple. Both are small, colorful, and common in beginner aquariums. Many stores even suggest them together. In reality, this mix can succeed or fail depending on how the tank is set up, what shrimp species you choose, and what expectations you have.

This guide explains what actually works and what fails when keeping guppies with shrimp. It is written to help beginners avoid losses and understand the risks before combining these two popular aquarium animals.

Can Guppies and Shrimp Live Together?

Yes, guppies and shrimp can live together, but not without compromise. Adult shrimp often survive, while baby shrimp are at risk. Guppies are peaceful fish, but they are still opportunistic feeders.

The key question is not “Will guppies eat shrimp?”
It is “Which shrimp will survive, and under what conditions?”

Why Guppies and Shrimp Are a Risky Mix

Guppies are curious, active fish. They constantly explore the tank and investigate anything that moves. Shrimp, especially babies, trigger that curiosity.

Problems usually happen because:

• Guppies will eat shrimp fry if they can fit them in their mouths
• Guppies outcompete shrimp for food
• Open tanks lack hiding places
• Beginners underestimate guppy behavior

Even well-fed guppies may still pick at baby shrimp.

What Actually Works: Guppies With Shrimp

Some setups can work reasonably well, especially if your goal is keeping shrimp alive rather than breeding large colonies.

Adult Cherry Shrimp With Guppies

Adult cherry shrimp are the most commonly kept shrimp with guppies. Fully grown shrimp are usually too large for guppies to eat.

What works:

• Adult shrimp often survive long term
• Guppies mostly ignore large shrimp
• Stable tanks reduce stress

What does not:

• Shrimp babies rarely survive without heavy plant cover
• Shrimp numbers often decline over time

For compatible shrimp species and fish combinations, this guide is helpful: Guppy tank mates

Heavily Planted Tanks

Plant density is the biggest factor that determines success.

Tanks that work have:

• Thick moss (especially Java Moss)
• Dense plants near the substrate
• Floating plants with long roots
• Hardscape like driftwood or rocks

Plants break lines of sight and give shrimp places to hide. Without them, shrimp losses are almost guaranteed.

Larger Tank Sizes

Tank size matters more than people expect.

Better outcomes happen in:

• 15 gallons or larger
• Tanks with horizontal swimming space
• Layouts with separate zones

Small tanks force constant interaction, which increases shrimp stress and losses.

What Fails: Common Guppy and Shrimp Mistakes

Many mixed tanks fail for predictable reasons. These setups almost always lead to shrimp losses.

Nano Tanks With Guppies and Shrimp

Nano tanks are one of the worst choices for mixing guppies and shrimp.

Why they fail:

• No safe hiding zones
• Constant guppy attention
• Faster water quality swings
• Shrimp cannot escape fish

If your tank is under 10 gallons, shrimp-only setups are safer. You can explore shrimp better suited for small tanks here: Shrimp for nono tank

Expecting Shrimp to Breed With Guppies Present

This is the most common unrealistic expectation.

In most guppy tanks:

• Baby shrimp are eaten within days
• Only a few survive by chance
• Colonies do not grow

If breeding shrimp is your goal, guppies are the wrong tank mates.

Underfeeding or Overfeeding

Both cause problems.

Underfeeding:

• Shrimp starve while guppies eat everything

Overfeeding:

• Pollutes water
• Causes algae swings
• Leads to shrimp stress

Target feeding shrimp helps, but it does not eliminate predation.

Best Shrimp Choices for Guppy Tanks

Not all shrimp are equal when it comes to living with guppies.

Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina)

Cherry shrimp are the best option if you want to try this mix.

Why they work better:

• Hardy and adaptable
• Adults are large enough to survive
• Tolerate beginner tanks

Even so, baby survival is low.

For a full breakdown of shrimp compatibility, see this guide: Cherry shrimp tank mates

Amano Shrimp

Amano shrimp work very well with guppies.

Advantages:

• Too large for guppies to eat
• Strong and fast
• Excellent algae eaters

Disadvantages:

• Do not breed in freshwater
• More expensive

Amano shrimp are ideal if you want shrimp presence without worrying about breeding losses.

Shrimp to Avoid With Guppies

Avoid these shrimp in guppy tanks:

• Ghost shrimp (often weak or aggressive)
• Bee shrimp (too sensitive)
• Very small or delicate species

Sensitive shrimp struggle in active community tanks.

Tank Setup Tips That Improve Success

If you decide to keep guppies and shrimp together, setup matters more than species choice.

Use Dense Planting

Plants should cover:

• The substrate
• Corners of the tank
• Hardscape edges

Mosses are especially important for shrimp survival.

Provide Visual Barriers

Break up open swimming areas with:

• Driftwood
• Rock piles
• Tall plants

This reduces constant guppy attention.

Feed Shrimp Separately

Use shrimp-specific foods and place them:

• Under plants
• Inside shrimp caves
• Away from open water

This helps shrimp eat without competition.

Should Beginners Mix Guppies and Shrimp?

For most beginners, the honest answer is no.

Why beginners struggle:

• Hard to balance feeding
• Hard to judge shrimp losses
• Disappointing breeding results

Separate tanks are simpler and more rewarding early on.

If you want shrimp as the focus, shrimp-only tanks are easier to manage and more successful.

When Guppies and Shrimp Make Sense Together

This mix can make sense if:

• You accept that baby shrimp may not survive
• You want shrimp for cleanup, not breeding
• You have a planted tank with space
• You are comfortable with some losses

Clear expectations prevent frustration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will guppies eat adult shrimp?

Most guppies do not eat adult cherry shrimp or Amano shrimp, but they may nip or harass them.

Will guppies eat baby shrimp?

Yes. In most tanks, guppies eat baby shrimp whenever they find them.

Can shrimp hide from guppies?

Only in heavily planted tanks with dense cover. Open tanks offer little protection.

Is it better to add shrimp or guppies first?

Adding shrimp first allows them to establish hiding spots and reduces stress.

Are guppies aggressive toward shrimp?

Guppies are not aggressive, but they are curious and opportunistic feeders.

Final Thoughts

Guppies and shrimp can live together, but this combination is not as beginner-friendly as it appears. Adult shrimp often survive, but baby shrimp usually do not unless the tank is heavily planted and carefully managed.

If your goal is shrimp breeding or stress-free care, a shrimp-only tank works far better. If you simply want a mixed display and accept the risks, a planted tank with adult shrimp and guppies can work.

Understanding what fails is just as important as knowing what works. With realistic expectations and the right setup, you can decide whether this mix fits your aquarium goals.