Can cherry shrimp live with swordtails?
Verdict
No
No. Cherry shrimp and swordtails should not share a tank. A swordtail is big enough to swallow adult cherry shrimp.
What to watch
- Deal breakerA swordtail is big enough to swallow adult cherry shrimp.
What works
- Both are fine at 72–79°F.
- pH 7–8 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: cherry shrimp the bottom, swordtails the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Cherry shrimp | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–80 °F | 72–79 °F |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 7–8.3 |
| Adult size | 1.5 in | 5.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 5 gal | 30 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Swims at | Bottom | Middle |
| Group | Groups of 6+ | Groups of 3+ |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for cherry shrimp
Mystery snailYes
CorydorasYes
Kuhli loachYes
Amano shrimpYes
Celestial pearl danioYes
Endler's livebearerYes
Better tank mates for swordtails
Questions
Can cherry shrimp live with swordtails?
No. Cherry shrimp and swordtails should not share a tank. A swordtail is big enough to swallow adult cherry shrimp.
What temperature suits both cherry shrimp and swordtails?
72–79 °F. Cherry shrimp need 65–80 °F, swordtails need 72–79 °F.
What size tank do cherry shrimp and swordtails need together?
At least 30 gal, set by the swordtail. Add space for each extra fish.