Livestock compatible with Purple-backed Duckweed
Ricciocarpus natans
6 rated pairings from the Purple-backed Duckweed care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why.
Excellent matches
4 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful algae eaters that won't damage delicate floating plants and benefit from the shade provided
Red Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
5 gal min · 1.2" adult · Peaceful
Gentle invertebrates that graze on algae and detritus without harming plant tissue; thrive under floating plant cover
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
10 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Excellent algae control without damaging plants; prefer shaded environments created by floating vegetation
Java Moss
Taxiphyllum barbieri
Excellent companion plant; both thrive in low-light conditions and create a lush, natural-looking aquascape
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Small, peaceful fish that appreciate the shade and won't uproot or consume the floating plants
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
15 gal min · 3.5" adult · Semi-aggressive
Calm surface-dwellers that coexist well with floating plants and benefit from the shelter provided
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.