Can cherry shrimp live with swordtails?
⚠️ Caution Sometimes, with care
- ⚠️ Caution Swordtail will eat baby cherry shrimp (and some individuals hunt adults), so a shrimp colony may not grow. Dense plants and moss help.
| Cherry shrimp | Swordtail | |
| Temperature | 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) | 61–82 °F (16–28 °C) |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 7–8 |
| Adult size | 1.2 in (3 cm) | 5.5 in (14 cm) |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Swims in | Bottom | Middle |
| Minimum tank | 5 gal | 30 gal |
Shared temperature: 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) · Shared pH: 7–8
Tips if you keep them together
- Keep cherry shrimp in a group of at least 10.
- Keep swordtails in a group of at least 3.
- Use a tank of at least 30 US gallons with plenty of plants and hiding places.
- Set the heater around 73 °F (23 °C), the middle of the shared range.
See all cherry shrimp tank mates and swordtail tank mates, or add more species in the checker.
FAQ
Can cherry shrimp live with swordtails?
Sometimes, with care. Swordtail will eat baby cherry shrimp (and some individuals hunt adults), so a shrimp colony may not grow. Dense plants and moss help.
What temperature for cherry shrimp and swordtails?
Cherry shrimp: 64–82 °F (18–28 °C). Swordtail: 61–82 °F (16–28 °C). Shared range: 64–82 °F (18–28 °C).
What size tank for cherry shrimp and swordtails?
At least 30 US gallons, more as you add fish.
Note: Compatibility depends on individual temperament, tank size, decor and how fish are introduced. Our verdicts use conservative rules applied to published care data (see methodology). They are guidance, not a guarantee. Quarantine new fish and watch for chasing, torn fins or hiding.