If you can’t decide between stocking nano fish or dwarf shrimp in your aquarium, maybe you don’t have to.
There are plenty of shrimp-compatible fish to choose from, and many of them are suitable for nano tanks in particular. The key is finding species with similar requirements that can thrive together in one tank.
In this guide, we’ll explain what nano fish can live with shrimp, recommend the best species for shrimp tanks, and share tips for caring for them. We’ll also offer some general advice for mixing shrimp and fish in a single nano tank.
The Top 7 Shrimp-Compatible Nano Fish
Not all nano fish are a good choice for shrimp tanks, especially those that are likely to prey on baby shrimp or compete for food. If you’re interested in adding fish to your shrimp tank, here are our recommendations of peaceful nano fish species to keep with shrimp:
1. Chili Rasbora (Bororas brigittae)
If you’re looking for shrimp-compatible fish that will stand out in your tank, look no further than the chili rasbora.
Named for their vibrant red coloration, these little fish grow no more than ¾ inch long, which makes them ideal for nano tanks. To promote confidence and maximize the wow factor, keep chili rasboras in schools of at least 8–12 fish.
The chili rasbora will thrive in similar conditions to many popular freshwater shrimp species, since they can tolerate a wide pH range of 6.5 to 8.0 and a temperature range of 72–82°F. Just make sure to keep the water quality in your tank high.
2. Hillstream Loaches (Sewellia lineolata)
Another beautiful nano fish perfect for shrimp tanks, hillstream loaches display eye-catching patterns and a unique body shape.
There are several nano-sized species to choose from, including the gorgeous reticulated hillstream loach (Sewellia lineolata), pink polcadot hillstream loach (Gastromyzon sp. ‘polcadot’), and blue tail hillstream loach (Gastromyzon sp. ‘SK03’).
Most remain small enough for nano tanks and can be kept individually or in groups of three or more.
Something to keep in mind with hillstream loaches is that they prefer fast-moving waters, so make sure your tank has adequate filtration.
Consider growing taller carpet plants on the bottom of your tank so your shrimp can rest if the current becomes too much. You should also offer caves and driftwood as hiding places.
3. Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus)
Want to add some charm and character to your shrimp tank? A group of pygmy corydoras will do the trick!
These active little fish are very social, and they can be downright playful at times as they zip around the tank. Like other corydoras, pygmy cories are peaceful by nature and shouldn’t bother your shrimp at all.
The one thing to keep in mind when pairing corydoras with shrimp is that they’ll occupy similar spaces in the tank. Your cories will need sinking foods, and they may be more boisterous at feeding time than your shrimp, so make sure there’s enough to go around.
4. Panda Corydoras (Corydoras panda)
Slightly larger than pygmy corydoras but still nano tank-friendly, panda corydoras grow up to 2 inches long.
They’re named for their black spots that look like the eyes of a giant panda. Like other cories, they’re very peaceful by nature, so they shouldn’t bother your shrimp. Just be mindful at feeding time since they’ll feed from the bottom of the tank, like your shrimp.
Panda corydoras are best displayed in planted tanks with dark substrate. They originate from blackwater conditions, so they’re well adapted to lower pH levels and soft water. They also tend to like their tanks on the cooler side, in the 66–77°F range.
5. Toothpick Fish (Indostomus paradoxus)
Named for their elongated bodies, toothpick fish make a striking addition to the nano shrimp tank.
They grow just 1 inch long, but they make an impression with their unusual shape and fanlike fins. Toothpick fish do well in planted tanks and, like your shrimp, they’ll appreciate slow-moving waters that are easy to navigate.
To ensure your toothpick fish thrive, keep them in groups of at least 6 individuals. Keep in mind they are micro-predators as well, so you’ll need to provide small meaty foods like daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and micro worms.
6. Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus vittatus)
If you’re looking to control algae in your shrimp tank, you can’t do better than the otocinclus catfish. These miniature catfish can consume a significant amount of algae in a short time, and they’re very active fish, often seen zipping around the tank.
Though they’re small (topping out around 2 inches), they have big appetites. Make sure your tank has enough algae to go around, or supplement their diet with sinking foods.
Like many nano fish on this list, otocinclus prefer planted tanks. Be sure to include some driftwood and porous rock to provide plenty of surfaces on which algae and biofilm can grow. This species may also appreciate water with a slight tannic tint, so consider adding some catappa leaves.
7. Bristlenose Plecos (Ancistrus cirrhosus)
Another algae eater with a voracious appetite, the bristlenose pleco is one of the few Plecostomus species suited to smaller tanks.
These fish can grow up to 5 inches in length; however, they still need a decent amount of space. Planted tanks are ideal for bristlenose plecos, and you’ll likely need to supplement their diet of algae with sinking foods like algae wafers and blanched veggies.
You can find bristlenose plecos in a variety of colors, ranging from neutrals like brown and grey to green, yellow, or even white. They’re covered in spots and have bony plates instead of scales, along with the iconic bristles on their noses.
Tips for Mixing Nano Fish and Shrimp
No matter how you’re stocking your tank, proper setup is crucial. It’s best to either set up your shrimp aquarium or fish nano tank first and then find other compatible species with similar needs.
You may also want to test your tap water before starting your search, as the natural pH or hardness level of your water may quickly rule out some of your options.
When designing your tank, make sure to provide plenty of hiding spaces for your shrimp without eating into the open swimming space needed by your fish. Many nano fish prefer heavily planted tanks, but try to incorporate a mix of plant types so the tank doesn’t become overcrowded.
Floating plants with long roots are often a good choice, as they can help diffuse strong lighting and provide additional surface area on which biofilm (a valuable food source for your fish) can grow.
Finally, establish your feeding and maintenance routines early on. Make sure you fully understand the dietary requirements of the fish and shrimp you’re stocking in your tank, keeping in mind that bottom-dwelling fish species may compete with your shrimp for food.
Small but frequent water changes can help counteract ammonia spikes from overfeeding and keep the water quality in your tank high for all the occupants.
Explore the selection of nano aquarium fish and learn more about caring for freshwater shrimp in our blog.
If you have questions about stocking your nano tank or caring for shrimp and fish together, Shrimpy Business can provide expert guidance.
Contact us to get advice tailored to your aquarium setup and ensure a healthy, balanced tank.