Zebra Loaches and Amano Shrimp

[greenfish]

I have 4 small Zebra loaches (Botia striata) and I was thinking about getting some Amano shrimp to help with algae control. Will they be ok together or will I just be buying loach food? I have a 55 gallon planted tank if that matters.

[wasserscheu]

give it a try with 2 to test. Typically loaches will go after them. I have planty of loaches, but still all Amanos. Some day that may change and they find out... In my case its the dwarf gourami ( http://www.zierfischverzeichnis.de/klas ... umila.html ) who harasses Amanos.

[Emma Turner]

Everyone's situation is different, but I know of several people who successfully keep Amano shrimp with Botia striata. My parents actually have this combination in their tank and have done for some years. The shrimp were introduced when they were quite small but they are fully grown now. The Botia striata are also pretty big, and they don't bother the shrimp at all.
As you say your B. striata are quite small, this would be the best time to add shrimp to the tank. I would advise trying to purchase the biggest sized Amano shrimp that you can, and make sure there are always lots of live plants for the shrimp to take refuge in if need be.

I would advise caution when housing Amano shrimp with larger loaches such as clowns though. Mine lived together for some years, then when Marge & co got a taste for eating prawns (salad shrimp) all the Amanos disappeared......

Emma

[greenfish]

Thanks wasserscheu and Emma. I think I will give it a try with a few. Amano's are cheap enough ($2-$3 here) that if it doesn't work out it wouldn't be the end of the world.

[starsplitter7]

You could also throw in some large ghost shrimp to start with and see if they disappear. Mine were 16 for $1.50. Cheaper way to find out if your striatas like shrimp.

[shari2]

Ghost shrimp were gonners in my clown tank within hours. I had clowns, yoyos and modestas at the time. (rather well behaved modestas, actually)