Can neon tetras live with swordtails?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Neon tetras and swordtails can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.

Neon tetra72–79°F · pH 6–7

Swordtail72–79°F · pH 7–8.3

What to watch

Watch outWater chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.

What works

Both are fine at 72–79°F.

Water side by side

The green band is the temperature range both can live in.

The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

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

	Neon tetra	Swordtail
Temperature	72–79 °F	72–79 °F
pH	6–7	7–8.3
Adult size	1.5 in	5.0 in
Minimum tank	10 gal	30 gal
Temperament	Peaceful	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	Middle	Middle
Group	Groups of 6+	Groups of 3+
Diet	Omnivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for swordtails

All swordtail tank mates

Questions

Can neon tetras live with swordtails?

Yes, with care. Neon tetras and swordtails can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.

What temperature suits both neon tetras and swordtails?

72–79 °F. Neon tetras need 72–79 °F, swordtails need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do neon tetras and swordtails need together?

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