Ever brought home a beautiful batch of shrimp, only to wake up and find half of them gone?
It’s a gut punch — especially when you realize one of your new fish might be the culprit.
When you’re starting out, choosing the wrong fish can quickly turn your peaceful shrimp tank into a hunting ground.
But the good news? It’s totally possible to build a shrimp-safe tank that’s still full of personality and color.
In this guide, I’ll share seven fish that play nice with shrimp, a few bonus picks, and which species to avoid. Let’s dive in!
Quick List: Fish That Won’t Eat Your Shrimp
Short on time? Here’s a snapshot of peaceful, shrimp-safe fish that are perfect for beginners:
- Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus affinis)
- Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus)
- Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi)
- Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)
- Livebearers – Endlers & Guppies (Poecilia wingei & Poecilia reticulata)
- Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
- Ember Tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae)
Each of these fish is small, peaceful, and unlikely to see your shrimp as food.
Keep reading for a closer look at why they’re great choices—and how to keep both fish and shrimp happy in the same tank.
What Makes a Fish Shrimp-Safe?
Before we get into the list, it helps to understand what actually makes a fish safe to keep with shrimp:
- Mouth size: If a fish can’t physically fit a shrimp in its mouth, it’s a much safer bet.
- Temperament: Peaceful, non-aggressive species are far less likely to see shrimp as prey.
- Swimming zone: Fish that stick to the middle or top of the tank usually leave bottom-dwelling shrimp alone.
- Feeding habits: Well-fed fish are less likely to go “hunting” out of boredom or hunger.
⚠️ Quick tip: Even the most peaceful fish might nibble on baby shrimp (shrimplets), so it’s always a good idea to provide hiding spots like moss, plants, or rock crevices.
1. Otocinclus Catfish – The Peaceful Tank Cleaner
Size: 1.5–2 inches
Tank zone: Bottom
Temperament: Extremely peaceful
Best for: Algae control in planted tanks
Otocinclus, or “Otos,” are tiny algae-eaters that do an amazing job of cleaning your tank while totally ignoring your shrimp.
They stick to glass, plants, and decor, spending their time grazing on algae and biofilm.
These fish are happiest in small groups (4–6) and prefer mature, stable tanks.
Because they stay small and peaceful, Otos are one of the best beginner-friendly fish for a shrimp setup.
They’re low-maintenance, helpful, and completely uninterested in your shrimp—what’s not to love?
Things to Know if You’re Choosing Otos:
- Sensitive to water conditions – Make sure your tank is fully cycled with no ammonia or nitrites.
- Need supplemental food – In tanks with low algae, offer algae wafers or blanched veggies like zucchini.
- Delicate during acclimation – Take your time introducing them, as they can be a bit fragile at first.
2. Pygmy Corydoras Catfish: A Friendly Bottom Dweller
Size: ~1 inch
Tank zone: Bottom
Temperament: Gentle and social
Best for: Community setups and nano tanks
Pygmy Corydoras are tiny, peaceful catfish that make excellent companions for shrimp.
They spend their time gently foraging along the substrate in small, active groups—and they couldn’t care less about your shrimp.
With their playful personalities and adorable size, they add a lot of charm without causing stress in the tank.
They thrive in planted tanks with soft sand and do best in schools of at least six.
As social fish, they’re happiest with friends and plenty of space to explore.
Things to Know if You’re Choosing Pygmy Corys:
- Use soft sand – Avoid rough gravel, which can irritate their delicate barbels.
- Keep them in groups – Aim for six or more to see their natural behavior.
- Feed sinking foods – Corys love bottom-feeder pellets, but also enjoy frozen or live foods like daphnia or bloodworms.
3. Neon Tetras: Bright, Peaceful, and Safe
Size: ~1.5 inches
Tank zone: Mid to top
Temperament: Peaceful and social
Best for: Adding color and movement to your shrimp tank
Neon Tetras are a favorite for freshwater aquariums — and it’s easy to see why.
Their electric blue and red stripes pop in any setup, and their peaceful nature makes them a great match for shrimp.
Since they mostly swim in the middle and upper parts of the tank, they rarely interact with bottom-dwelling shrimp.
They’re best kept in schools of 6 or more, which helps reduce stress and encourages natural behavior.
Their small size and gentle temperament mean your shrimp can go about their day without worry.
Things to Know if You’re Choosing Neon Tetras:
- Schooling fish – Keep at least six to make them feel secure and reduce nippiness.
- Avoid overcrowding – Neon Tetras are active swimmers and need space to move around.
- Watch for tank maturity – They prefer stable water conditions, so they’re best added to cycled tanks.
4. Amano Shrimp: A Shrimp That Won’t Eat Other Shrimp
Size: 1.5–2 inches
Tank zone: Bottom
Temperament: Peaceful but food-driven
Best for: Algae control and compatibility with other shrimp
While they are shrimp themselves, Amano Shrimp deserve a spot on this list because they’re peaceful, hardworking, and won’t harm your other shrimp species.
They’re fantastic for algae control and can be kept alongside both Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp without risking your colony.
They tend to keep to themselves but can get a little pushy at feeding time — especially if food is limited.
Things to Know if You’re Choosing Amano Shrimp:
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- Great cleaners – They’re some of the best algae eaters you can find.
- Won’t breed in freshwater – So no risk of overpopulation.
- Can be food-aggressive – Make sure everyone in the tank is getting enough to eat.
- Need a secure lid – They’re known escape artists!
5. Small Livebearers: Guppies and Endlers
Size: ~1 inch
Tank zone: All levels
Temperament: Friendly but active
Best for: Colorful, beginner-friendly tanks
If you want nonstop color and motion, Guppies and Endlers are great picks.
Endlers, in particular, stay smaller and tend to be a bit more peaceful — making them better suited for shrimp setups.
Both species are active swimmers that mostly keep to themselves and won’t go out of their way to hunt shrimp, especially if they’re well-fed.
That said, they are curious fish.
Baby shrimp (shrimplets) might occasionally get mistaken for snacks if they’re out in the open, so hiding spots are key.
Things to Know if You’re Choosing Livebearers:
- Endlers are usually safer than fancy guppies, especially in smaller tanks.
- Overcrowding increases stress — keep a good ratio and avoid too many males.
- Add plants or moss so shrimplets have places to tuck away from the action.
- They breed easily — be ready for babies unless you separate males and females.
✅ Pro tip: If you’re going with guppies, aim for smaller, less aggressive strains — and always stock your tank gradually.
6. Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
Size: ~2 inches
Tank zone: Mid-to-top
Temperament: Calm, social, and non-aggressive
Best for: Peaceful community setups and planted tanks
Harlequin Rasboras are calm, colorful schooling fish with a beautiful copper-pink body and a distinctive black patch.
They’re incredibly peaceful and make great tankmates for shrimp — especially in larger, planted tanks.
Since they swim in the mid-to-upper water column, they rarely cross paths with bottom-dwelling shrimp.
Even though they’re a bit larger than the other options on this list, they’re not interested in shrimp and tend to keep to themselves.
Just make sure to keep them in a group of 6 or more — it helps them feel secure and show off their best behavior.
Things to Know if You Choose Harlequins:
- They thrive in soft, slightly acidic water — similar to ideal shrimp conditions.
- A planted tank with dim lighting or floating plants helps bring out their colors.
- Like all schooling fish, they feel safest in a group, so aim for at least 6.
- Avoid housing them with overly active or aggressive fish, which can stress them out.
7. Ember Tetras: Tiny, Peaceful, and Perfect for Shrimp
Size: ~0.75 inches
Tank zone: Mid
Temperament: Calm and social
Best for: Nano tanks and planted setups
Ember Tetras are one of the best fish for a shrimp tank, especially if you’re working with a smaller setup.
Their fiery orange color pops against green plants, and their peaceful nature makes them a great fit for shrimp colonies.
These little guys are super chill and spend most of their time schooling mid-tank, far away from the bottom where shrimp hang out.
They do best in groups of 6 or more, and they’ll really shine (literally) in a well-planted tank with darker substrate.
Things to Know if You Choose Ember Tetras:
- They’re tiny, which means they’re physically incapable of eating adult shrimp.
- Like other schooling fish, they need a group to feel safe and show natural behavior.
- A planted tank with driftwood or moss will bring out their best colors.
- While peaceful, they can get nervous in loud or fast-moving tanks — keep things calm.
Bonus Picks (Use with Caution)
These fish can work in shrimp tanks, but they’re not guaranteed shrimp-safe. With the right setup and plenty of hiding places, they often coexist peacefully — just keep an eye on individual behavior.
1. Cherry Barbs
Small, colorful, and surprisingly peaceful.
They usually ignore shrimp, especially in a planted tank with a good school size (6+).
Great for beginners.
2. Pygmy Gouramis (Sparkling or Licorice)
Tiny and shy, these fish tend to keep to themselves.
In calm, heavily planted tanks, they’re unlikely to bother shrimp.
3. Swordtails
Active and a bit larger, Swordtails can be hit-or-miss.
Some ignore shrimp entirely, while others may nip at smaller ones.
Use only in bigger tanks with dense cover for your shrimp.
Tips for Bonus Species:
- Always provide moss, caves, or driftwood for shrimp to retreat to.
- Observe new fish closely during the first week.
- Avoid overcrowding — extra space helps reduce stress and aggression.
Fish to Avoid in Shrimp Tanks
Some fish are just not shrimp-compatible — whether due to size, aggression, or curiosity. If you’re trying to build a safe shrimp community, steer clear of these:
❌ Betta Fish (Betta splendens) – Can be territorial and nip at shrimp, especially in smaller tanks.
❌ Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) – As they grow, they often see shrimp as food.
❌ Gouramis (Trichogaster spp.) – Curious and sometimes aggressive toward smaller tankmates.
❌ Cichlids (Cichlidae family) – Most are aggressive and opportunistic feeders, even dwarf types.
❌ Goldfish – Messy eaters with a big appetite — they’ll likely gobble up shrimp.
❌ Oscars, Flowerhorns, and Other Large Fish – Too big, too aggressive, and too hungry for a shrimp tank.
💡 Rule of Thumb: If the fish has a large mouth or a bold attitude, it’s probably not shrimp-safe.
How to Keep the Peace in a Fish + Shrimp Tank
Even with shrimp-safe fish, a little setup goes a long way toward keeping your shrimp stress-free. Here’s how to give them the best shot at thriving:
- Provide Plenty of Hiding Spots
Shrimp love cover—especially when molting or breeding. Add moss, caves, rocks, driftwood, or dense plants to give them safe zones throughout the tank. - Feed Fish Regularly
A well-fed fish is a less aggressive fish. Skipping feedings can make even peaceful species go looking for snacks (like shrimplets). - Use a Sponge Filter
Sponge filters prevent baby shrimp from getting sucked into your filtration system, while also offering a surface for biofilm—one of their favorite foods. - Start with Adult Shrimp
Adult shrimp are less likely to be seen as food. Starting with juveniles or babies raises the risk, especially during the adjustment period. - Give Them Room
A larger tank (20 gallons or more) helps reduce territorial behavior and gives shrimp more space to avoid curious fish. - Watch Fish Behavior Closely
Even if a species is labeled as shrimp-safe, individual fish can vary. Keep a close eye on how your fish interact with shrimp, especially during the first few days.
Final Thoughts
Creating a shrimp-friendly tank doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or variety — it just takes a little planning.
Peaceful fish like Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, Ember Tetras, and Amano Shrimp can coexist beautifully with your shrimp colony when you choose wisely.
Provide hiding spots, avoid aggressive species, and keep everyone well-fed.
With the right setup, your aquarium can be a peaceful underwater community where shrimp and fish thrive together.