Whether guppies eat shrimp depends largely on the shrimp’s size, species, and the tank environment. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
I. When Guppies Are Likely to Eat Shrimp
Baby Shrimp or Shrimp Fry
Guppies will actively hunt newly hatched shrimp fry (such as cherry shrimp or black shell shrimp babies), which are only a few millimeters long—small enough to be easily swallowed.
If shrimp are breeding in the tank, newborn fry rarely survive; guppies will quickly consume them.
Adult Shrimp
Small adult shrimp (like cherry shrimp or black shell shrimp, 2–4 cm long) are usually safe, but they need dense plants or hiding spots to shelter from guppies.
Larger shrimp (such as amano shrimp) can coexist peacefully with guppies thanks to their size advantage—they may even help clean algae in the tank.
II. Tips and Cautions for Coexistence
When to Avoid Cohabitation
If your goal is to breed shrimp, avoid keeping them with guppies—shrimp fry survival rates will be extremely low.
Hungry guppies may attack small shrimp, and larger shrimp might fight back, injuring the guppies.
Workable Cohabitation Strategies
Choose gentle, small shrimp species (like fire red shrimp or cherry shrimp) and ensure the tank has plenty of plants or hiding places.
Keep guppy numbers low to reduce predation pressure on the shrimp.
III. Alternative Options
If you want to maintain a balanced tank ecosystem, consider these pairings instead:
Fish compatible with guppies: Mollies, swordtails, or small tetras (peaceful, small species).
Shrimp kept separately: If you need shrimp to clean the tank, house them in a separate aquarium or opt for larger shrimp species.
In summary, whether guppies eat shrimp depends on specific circumstances. The key is to plan the tank environment thoughtfully to balance their needs.