How many shrimp for a 10 gallon tank

[Carnivine]

I have a 10 gallon tank and I am planning on buying 12 shrimp. Would 12 shrimp do okay and breed in a 10 gallon or would they need a smaller tank?

[Tiny Ocean]

You don't *need* a smaller tank but it would look better. 10 gallons will look awfully empty with 12 shrimp. 10 gallons could easily support several *hundred* opae ula!

[neocaridinalover]

You're in a great spot with a 10-gallon tank — 12 shrimp will do perfectly fine, and it's actually a very good setup for breeding!

Here’s why:

• Space: A 10-gallon tank gives plenty of space for 12 shrimp to roam, find food, and establish territories without stressing each other out.
  
  Water Stability: Bigger tanks (like 10 gallons vs. 5 gallons) are more stable in terms of water parameters — very important for shrimp health and breeding success.
  
  Breeding: They will absolutely breed in a 10-gallon if the conditions are good (stable temperature, clean water, hiding places like moss or plants, no predators). In fact, it’s better than a smaller tank because once babies (shrimplets) are born, they’ll have more space and biofilm to graze on.

Just a few quick tips to help them breed successfully:

• Plants: Add mosses (like Java Moss) or fine-leaved plants — they help babies hide and provide surfaces for biofilm (shrimp food).
  
  Stable Water Parameters: No big fluctuations in temperature, pH, or TDS.
  
  Minimal Filtration Flow: A sponge filter is perfect because it won’t suck up baby shrimp and also grows biofilm for them to eat.
  
  Gentle Feeding: Offer good quality shrimp food and occasional blanched veggies.

cre: Freshwater Shrimp care guide