Can severums live with swordtails?

Verdict
Yes, with care

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

SeverumSeverum74–84°F · pH 6–7 SwordtailSwordtail72–79°F · pH 7–8.3

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 74–79°Severum 74–84°Swordtail 72–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7Severum 6–7Swordtail 7–8.3
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Severum · 8 inSwordtail · 5 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"7"8"
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

SeverumSwordtail
Temperature74–84 °F72–79 °F
pH6–77–8.3
Adult size8.0 in5.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal30 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressiveSemi-aggressive
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 3+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for severums

All severum tank mates

Better tank mates for swordtails

All swordtail tank mates

Questions

Can severums live with swordtails?

Yes, with care. Severums 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 severums and swordtails?

74–79 °F. Severums need 74–84 °F, swordtails need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do severums and swordtails need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the severum. Add space for each extra fish.