The Best Tank Mates for Betta Fish: Can Betta Fish Live with Freshwater Shrimp?

Betta fish are known for their vibrant colors and feisty personalities, but did you know they can sometimes share their tank with freshwater shrimp? If you’re considering adding shrimp to your betta tank, you might be wondering: Can betta fish live with shrimp safely?

The answer depends on the shrimp species, your betta’s temperament, and how you introduce them. In this guide, we’ll explore the best shrimp pets for betta tanks, how to set up a freshwater shrimp tank, and tips to ensure peaceful cohabitation.

Can Betta Fish Live with Freshwater Shrimp?

The short answer is: Sometimes!

Betta fish or Siamese fighting fish have a strong predatory instinct, and their reaction to shrimp can vary widely. Some bettas ignore shrimp entirely, while others will attack them on sight. The success of keeping shrimp with a betta depends on factors such as the betta’s temperament, tank size, hiding spaces, and tank conditions.

1. Betta Personality

Every betta fish has a unique temperament. Some bettas are laid-back and tolerate tank mates, while others are highly aggressive and will attack anything that moves. If your betta has shown aggression toward other fish, keeping shrimp may not be a good idea. However, if your betta is relatively calm, shrimp can be introduced carefully.

2. Tank Size Matters

A larger tank (5 gallons or more) significantly increases the chances of successful cohabitation. Shrimp need space to explore, and bettas require their own territory. A small tank increases the likelihood of shrimp being chased or eaten. Ideally, a 10-gallon tank provides ample room for both species to thrive.

3. Hiding Spots for Shrimp

Shrimp are much more vulnerable than fish, so providing ample hiding spaces is essential. Live plants such as Java moss, Anubias, and Hornwort offer natural shelter. Driftwood, rock caves, and ceramic shrimp tubes further help shrimp stay hidden when necessary.

4. Tank Maturity and Water Stability

Shrimp are highly sensitive to water changes and require stable water parameters. A well-established tank with a cycled filtration system is crucial before introducing shrimp. Additionally, avoid using copper-based medications in the tank, as copper is toxic to shrimp.

Best Freshwater Shrimp for a Betta Tank?

Choosing the right shrimp species is key to a successful betta and shrimp cohabitation. Here are the best freshwater shrimp for betta tanks, ranked by compatibility.

1. Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

Amano shrimp are one of the best options because of their larger size (up to 2 inches), fast movement, and algae-eating abilities. They are less likely to be attacked due to their size and non-threatening nature.

Pros:

• Excellent algae eaters
• Too large for most bettas to eat
• Adaptable to various water conditions

Cons:

• Cannot breed in freshwater (requires brackish water)
• More expensive than other shrimp species

Find Amano shrimp for sale in our live shrimp collection!

2. Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Cherry shrimp or Neocaridina shrimp are one of the most visually striking shrimp species, available in red, blue, yellow, and orange varieties. They reproduce quickly, so even if a betta eats some, the colony can sustain itself.

Pros:

• Bright colors make them an attractive tank addition
• Reproduce easily, creating a self-sustaining population
• Adapt well to community tanks

Cons:

• Small size (1-1.5 inches) makes them more vulnerable to predation
• Bettas may chase them if hungry or aggressive

3. Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus)

Ghost shrimp are inexpensive, easy to care for, and transparent, making them harder for bettas to notice and attack. They are excellent scavengers, helping to keep the tank clean.

Pros:

• Very affordable and widely available
• Great at consuming uneaten food and algae
• Fast swimmers, making it easier to evade bettas

Cons:

• Short lifespan (1 year or less)
• Can be eaten by aggressive bettas due to their smaller size

4. Blue Velvet Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. “Blue”)

Blue Velvet shrimp are a variation of Cherry shrimp but feature vivid blue hues that contrast beautifully against plants and dark substrates. Like Cherry shrimp, they reproduce quickly and are adaptable.

Pros:

• Bright blue coloration makes them visually appealing
• Hardy and adaptable
• Great for planted tanks

Cons:

• Small size makes them more vulnerable to predation
• Require stable water conditions

How to Introduce New Shrimp to a Betta Tank

To ensure a smooth introduction, follow these essential steps:

1. Acclimate Shrimp to the Tank

These cute shrimp are highly sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters. To properly acclimate them:

• Float the bag of shrimp in the tank for 20-30 minutes to match the temperature.
• Gradually add small amounts of tank water to the bag every 5-10 minutes over an hour.
• Use a net to transfer shrimp into the tank, avoiding sudden movements.

2. Rearrange the Tank Before Adding Shrimp

Changing the tank layout before adding shrimp disrupts the betta’s territorial boundaries, making them less likely to see shrimp as intruders. Move decorations, plants, and caves around before introducing shrimp.

3. Provide Plenty of Hiding Spots

Dense plant coverage and decorations help shrimp stay hidden if a betta becomes aggressive. Aquarium plants such as Java moss and Anubias work well.

What to Feed Betta and Shrimp Together?

Since bettas and shrimp have different dietary needs, providing the right fish food is crucial.

Betta Fish Diet

Bettas require a high-protein diet that mimics their natural insect-based diet. Feed them:

• High-quality betta pellets
• Freeze-dried bloodworms (as an occasional treat)
• Live or frozen brine shrimp

See more details about Care Guide for Betta Fish here.

Shrimp Diet

Shrimp are scavengers and need a mix of protein and plant matter. Offer them:

• Algae wafers
• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)
• Shrimp-specific pellets

Tip: Drop shrimp food in hidden areas so bettas don’t steal it! Visit this blog for more information on How to Care for Freshwater Shrimp.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Introducing live shrimp for an aquarium with a betta fish can present some challenges. While some bettas coexist peacefully with shrimp, others may be aggressive. Understanding common problems and their solutions will help ensure a successful tank setup.

My Betta Is Attacking the Shrimp

One of the most frequent concerns is a betta fish attacking shrimp. Since bettas are naturally territorial and predatory, they may see shrimp as either an intruder or a snack.

Solutions:

• Monitor Your Betta’s Temperament: Some bettas will tolerate shrimp, while others are more aggressive. If your betta is flaring, chasing, or attacking shrimp, you may need to reconsider keeping them together.
• Provide More Hiding Spots: Shrimp rely on plants and decorations to stay safe. Add dense foliage like Java moss, Anubias, and floating plants to provide safe zones.
• Try a Larger Tank: A 10-gallon tank or larger offers shrimp more space to escape and reduces betta aggression.
• Introduce Shrimp First: If possible, add shrimp before introducing a betta. This allows shrimp to establish themselves, reducing the betta’s territorial response.

My Shrimp Are Always Hiding

If your shrimp are constantly hiding and not exploring the tank, this may indicate that they feel threatened or stressed.

Solutions:

• Let Them Adjust: Newly introduced shrimp will take time to feel safe. Hiding for the first few days to a week is normal.
• Increase Plant Cover: Adding Java moss, driftwood, and shrimp tubes creates natural hiding areas that give shrimp a sense of security.
• Reduce Betta Activity: If the betta is swimming aggressively near the shrimp’s hiding spots, consider adding floating plants like Duckweed or Amazon frogbit to reduce light and slow the betta’s movement.

My Shrimp Keep Dying

If shrimp are not surviving, there may be an issue with water parameters, diet, or tank conditions.

Solutions:

• Check Water Parameters: Shrimp require stable conditions. Test your water for:
  • Ammonia & Nitrite: Should be 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: Keep below 20 ppm
  • pH: Ideal range is 6.5-7.5
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C) is best for both shrimp and bettas.
• Avoid Copper-Based Medications: Many fish medications contain copper, which is toxic to shrimp. Always check the ingredients before treating your tank.
• Feed Shrimp Properly: If shrimp are not getting enough food, they may starve. Algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and shrimp pellets should be added regularly.
• Ensure a Mature Tank: Shrimp do best in established aquariums with stable biological filtration. Adding shrimp to a new tank (less than 6 weeks old) increases their mortality rate.

Conclusion

Bettas and shrimp can live together successfully if you choose the right shrimp species, provide ample hiding spots, and maintain stable water conditions. The best shrimp for betta tanks include Amano shrimp, Cherry shrimp, and Ghost shrimp as they are hardy and less likely to be eaten. A 10-gallon or larger tank with live plants and caves helps ensure shrimp survival while keeping your betta stress-free. Regular monitoring is essential, as some bettas may still display aggression toward shrimp. If you're ready to add shrimp to your betta tank or set up a dedicated shrimp aquarium, check out our freshwater shrimp collection for high-quality live shrimp for sale. Besides buying these shrimp online, you can visit our aquarium store in Virginia for other freshwater fish for sale, betta fish for sale, live aquarium plants for sale, and aquarium supplies.

Betta Fish Tank Mates Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What shrimp can live with a betta fish?

Amano shrimp, Cherry shrimp, and Ghost shrimp are the best choices for a betta tank. These species are peaceful, fast-moving, and can thrive in the same water conditions as bettas. To increase their chances of survival, provide plenty of hiding spaces with live plants, moss, and caves.

Will my betta eat my shrimp?

It depends on your betta’s temperament. Some bettas ignore shrimp, while others may chase or eat them. To reduce aggression, choose larger shrimp species like Amano shrimp, introduce shrimp before the betta, and create dense plant coverage with hiding spots. If your betta continues to attack, consider a separate freshwater shrimp tank.

How many shrimp can I keep in a betta tank?

In a 10-gallon tank, you can safely keep 5-10 shrimp alongside a betta, while 20-gallon tanks can house 20+ shrimp with proper filtration and hiding spaces. Shrimp breed quickly, so ensure your tank has enough space and biological stability to support a growing colony.