2 replies to this topic

[JackHaldane]

Anyone kept these two together? I was considering them as a good algae eater, and their natural ranges actually overlap. The shrimp might be a little too boisterous at feeding time, but they aren't aggressive. At nearly the same size as the pygmies I don't see them getting eaten either. Thoughts?

[JasonL]

I keep grass shrimp and Elassoma together in a heavily planted 10 gallon without issues. Most of time they ignore each other except during feeding time when they occasionally have minor skirmishes over bloodworms. Never had any fatalities on either side that I am aware of.

Breeding Elassoma in the presence of grass shrimp may be another story however.

[gerald]

Palaemonetes (glass/grass shrimp) are omnivores and will eat Elassoma eggs and newborns.  They are also not very effective for algae control.  Asian Caridina or Neocaridina shrimps are better algae eaters and probably safer for fry, although they don't occur in wild Elassoma habitat (yet).  If raising Elassoma fry is not your intent, then grass shrimp should be OK.  They will of course finish off any dead or dying Elassoma.