Shrimp and guppies are often recommended together because they share similar water preferences in many Australian setups and they complement each other: guppies add movement, shrimp pick at biofilm and leftovers. The challenge is that guppies are curious and opportunistic. Adult shrimp usually do fine, but shrimp babies can be viewed as snacks unless the tank is designed to protect them.
What works
- Adult shrimp with cover: cherry shrimp often thrive if they have hiding zones.
- Heavily planted tanks: mossy areas and dense cover allow shrimp to graze safely.
- Calm guppy lines: not all guppies are equally “snacky.” Some are more predatory than others.
What often fails
- Bare tanks: shrimp have nowhere to retreat.
- Hungry guppies: irregular feeding increases shrimp hunting behaviour.
- Overstocking: constant activity and competition stresses shrimp.
How to set up for success
- create a shrimp refuge zone with dense cover
- feed guppies small, regular meals so they don’t hunt
- avoid fin nippers and aggressive tank mates
- keep water stable — shrimp dislike swings even more than guppies
Realistic expectations
If your goal is to breed shrimp, a guppy tank is not ideal unless it is heavily planted. If your goal is simply to keep shrimp as a clean-up crew and occasional bonus babies survive, guppy tanks can be great.
Shrimp with guppies is very doable. It’s not about luck — it’s about giving shrimp safe zones and keeping the aquarium calm and stable.
