Orange Mexican Dwarf Crayfish, Whisker Shrimp and Loaches?

Discussion in 'Freshwater Aquariums' started by Toby the Puffer, Mar 3, 2013.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. Toby the Puffer

    Toby the Puffer Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2012
    Messages:
    142
    Hey everyone, so I wanted to ask if shrimp/OMDC can live with loaches.

    So, my concerns are...

    1: That loaches might eat the crayfish/shrimp after molting.

    2: That the crayfish may attack long eel like loaches like kuhli loaches.

    Also I already have the shrimp and crayfish. If you are wondering my crayfish is very timid with sleeping fish and other bottom dwellers.

    Key:
    OMDC: Orange Mexican Dwarf Crayfish
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    Messages:
    19,258
    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    The loaches would be more of a worry right now depending on their size and whish ones. Your concerns are good and most likely correct. The crayfish may change its mind as it gets larger.
     
  4. Toby the Puffer

    Toby the Puffer Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2012
    Messages:
    142
    He's actually at his full size of 1 1/2". And thanks for replying. Too bad I wanted to get a kuhli loach and/or dwarf loach.
     
  5. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    Messages:
    19,258
    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    I think the loaches would definitely wipe out the shrimp even if they haven't just molted. Hard to say which way the battle would go with the crayfish. Best to keep the tank as you have it.
     
  6. Toby the Puffer

    Toby the Puffer Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2012
    Messages:
    142
    Thanks, for the great advise. Also could I have porthole catfish with what I have know?
     
  7. cavnoe

    cavnoe Plankton

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2013
    Messages:
    14
    Location:
    Virginia
    I had dwarf crays, loaches and ghost shrimp together. We had to remove the shrimp cause the loach was killing them. I would advise against the loach.