Can Black Skirt Tetra live with Swordtail?
Caution — with care
Why
- Black Skirt Tetra is a fin-nipper and will shred the long/flowing fins of Swordtail.
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 | Semi-aggressive |
| Min tank | 20 gal | 29 gal |
Together, plan on at least 29 gallons.
How to make it work
- Keep the nipper in a bigger group (8+) to spread out the nipping, and avoid long-finned tankmates.
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Design a tank with Black Skirt Tetra, Swordtail →Everything compatible with Black Skirt Tetra · …with Swordtail