FishTankCan bettas live with cherry shrimp?
Yes, with care. Some bettas hunt cherry shrimp. Lots of moss and plants help the shrimp hide. Bettas eat baby cherry shrimp. Adults usually survive with plenty of moss to hide in.
With care
Verdict
76–80°F
Shared temperature
5 gal
Smallest tank
The two fish side by side
| Fish | Adult size | Temperature | Min. tank | Keep | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betta (male) | 2.5 in | 76–82°F | 5 gal | Alone or as a pair | long fins |
| Cherry shrimp | 1 in | 65–80°F | 5 gal | 10 or more | invertebrate |
If you want to try it
- Set the heater to about 78°F, in the middle of the range they share (76–80°F).
- Use a tank of at least 5 gallons, and bigger is calmer. Check the numbers with the stocking calculator.
- Keep cherry shrimp in a group of 10 or more. A big group is calmer and more colorful.
- Add plenty of moss and plants so baby shrimp have places to hide.
- Have a backup plan. Every betta has its own temper, so keep a spare tank or divider ready in case it attacks.
- Add plenty of plants and cover so every fish can get out of sight.
Good tankmates instead
- For bettas: Amano shrimp, Corydoras (bronze or peppered), Ember tetra, Harlequin rasbora, Mystery snail, Neon tetra
- For cherry shrimp: Guppy, Neon tetra, Otocinclus, Amano shrimp, Bristlenose pleco, Cardinal tetra
Want to check a whole tank? Pick up to 8 fish in the fish compatibility checker, which opens with this pair already filled in.
Planning a whole tank? Your First Aquarium includes ready-made stocking plans and care cards for 15 beginner fish. Get the guide for $12
More tankmate questions: Can bettas live with guppies? · Can bettas live with neon tetras? · Can bettas live with corydoras? · Can bettas live with platies? · All tankmate guides
Related: Betta care · Cherry shrimp care · Fish compatibility checker · Fish care sheets