Shrimp and guppies can live together, but it’s not always as simple as dropping shrimp into a busy guppy tank. Guppies are curious and opportunistic. They may not be “predators,” but they will peck at anything small enough to test, especially baby shrimp. That’s why some shrimp “vanish” over time: they’re stressed, outcompeted at food, or slowly picked off when they molt and become vulnerable. The solution is a better setup and realistic expectations.
What usually works well
- adult shrimp in a well-established tank with stable water
- lots of hiding structure and “micro spaces” guppies can’t reach
- gentle feeding so shrimp can actually get food
What usually fails
- adding tiny shrimp to a bare tank with hungry guppies
- strong flow and no cover (shrimp can’t rest safely)
- expecting baby shrimp to survive in open areas
How to stop “shrimp vanish” syndrome
- add cover: dense plant mass or mossy structure creates safe zones.
- feed smart: tiny sinking foods help shrimp eat without surface chaos.
- keep water stable: shrimp are sensitive to swings, especially during molts.
With the right environment, shrimp can be a great clean-up crew in a guppy tank. Just remember: guppies will test anything small. If you build hiding structure and feed in a shrimp-friendly way, shrimp survival improves dramatically.
