Can Cherry Shrimp Live With Swordtail?
Sometimes, swordtails and cherry shrimp can coexist, but swordtails at 5 inches may eat baby shrimp.
Why
- Swordtails grow to about 5 inches and are active mid-water swimmers.
- Adult cherry shrimp at 1-1.5 inches are too big for a swordtail to swallow comfortably.
- Baby shrimp under 0.5 inches fit in a swordtail's mouth and are vulnerable.
- Swordtails are livebearers that spend time near the bottom where shrimp colonies establish.
- Dense plant cover gives shrimp the hiding spots they need to survive.
What could go wrong
A swordtail that explores near plants or substrate may pick off baby shrimp, and the colony may slowly decline.
Gear for a shared tank
Sized for the 20 gallon minimum this pairing needs. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them.
AquaClear 30 Power Filter
Oversized filtration is what lets you stock two species together without water quality crashing. Rated for a tank slightly larger than the 20 gallon minimum.
Eheim Jager 150W Thermostat Heater
Holds a steady temperature inside the 72-80°F window both species need.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit
Keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in check. Two-species tanks have more bioload and less margin for error than single-species setups.
Better pairings to consider
The outcome improves if the tank has heavy plant cover and the shrimp colony is already established with adults only.
Related compatibility questions
Keep reading
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