Can bristlenose plecos live with swordtails?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, bristlenose plecos and swordtails can live together. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Bristlenose plecoBristlenose pleco73–81°F · pH 6.5–7.5 SwordtailSwordtail72–79°F · pH 7–8.3

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 73–79°Bristlenose pleco 73–81°Swordtail 72–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7–7.5Bristlenose pleco 6.5–7.5Swordtail 7–8.3
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Bristlenose pleco · 5 inSwordtail · 5 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

Bristlenose plecoSwordtail
Temperature73–81 °F72–79 °F
pH6.5–7.57–8.3
Adult size5.0 in5.0 in
Minimum tank30 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressive
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 3+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for bristlenose plecos

All bristlenose pleco tank mates

Better tank mates for swordtails

All swordtail tank mates

Questions

Can bristlenose plecos live with swordtails?

Yes, bristlenose plecos and swordtails can live together. Both are fine at 73–79°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both bristlenose plecos and swordtails?

73–79 °F. Bristlenose plecos need 73–81 °F, swordtails need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do bristlenose plecos and swordtails need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the bristlenose pleco. Add space for each extra fish.