Cherry shrimp are the easiest start: a fully cycled 5–10 gallon tank with a sponge filter, live plants or moss, 68–78°F, pH 6.5–8, and no fish big enough to eat them. Feed a little, every other day, and avoid any medication with copper.
Set-up checklist
5–10 galFully cycled, a month or older is best
Sponge filterBabies can't be sucked in
Moss & plantsFood and hiding places
Small changes10–20% weekly, same temperature
Safe and unsafe tankmates
Usually safeOtocinclus, pygmy corys, snails, chili rasboras
Eat shrimpBettas (often), angelfish, gouramis, most cichlids, pea puffers
Questions
Why do my shrimp keep dying?
Usually an unfinished cycle, a sudden change in water (large water changes with very different water), or copper in medication or fertiliser.
How many shrimp should I start with?
About 10 cherry shrimp in a 5–10 gallon tank. They breed readily once settled.
General information, not veterinary advice. Updated November 2026.