Can Black Skirt Tetra live with Swordtail?
Caution — with care
Why
- Black Skirt Tetra is semi-aggressive and may bully the peaceful Swordtail — give lots of space and cover.
- Black Skirt Tetra is a fin-nipper and will shred the long/flowing fins of Swordtail.
- Swordtail is large enough to threaten a small Black Skirt Tetra — usually fine once both are adult, but watch new additions.
Sweet spot: both do well at 72–82°F and pH 7–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Black Skirt Tetra | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–82°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 7–8.4 |
| Hardness (GH) | 3–15 dGH | 12–30 dGH |
| Adult size | 2.5" | 5.5" |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 20 gal | 29 gal |
Together, plan on at least 29 gallons.
How to make it work
- Use a larger, well-decorated tank with sightline breaks, keep everyone well-fed, and add the calmer fish first.
- Keep the nipper in a bigger group (8+) to spread out the nipping, and avoid long-finned tankmates.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Black Skirt Tetra: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Swordtail: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Build a full tank around this stocking →Everything compatible with Black Skirt Tetra · …with Swordtail