Keeping shrimp with guppies is popular because shrimp add interest and help clean up small leftovers. It can work well, but it’s important to set expectations: guppies are opportunistic and many will pick at baby shrimp. Adult shrimp can often coexist, especially in well-planted tanks. The difference between “shrimp disappear” and “shrimp thrive” usually comes down to cover and feeding strategy.
What tends to work
- Adult shrimp: larger shrimp are less likely to be hunted.
- Planted tanks: cover increases shrimp confidence and survival.
- Calm guppy lines: behaviour varies fish-to-fish.
What usually gets eaten
- Baby shrimp: tiny shrimp are easy targets for curious guppies.
- Freshly molted shrimp: temporarily soft and vulnerable if cover is poor.
How to improve shrimp survival
- Provide dense hiding: mossy areas and plant clumps are shrimp safe zones.
- Feed guppies consistently: hungry guppies hunt more.
- Keep water stable: stressed shrimp hide less and molt poorly.
- Don’t overstock: too many guppies increases pressure on shrimp.
If you want shrimp to breed and build a big colony, a shrimp-only tank is easiest. If you want shrimp as a cleanup crew and you’re fine with lower baby survival, mixed tanks can be great.
