Can Blue Velvet Shrimp live with Swordtail?
Not recommended
Why
- Swordtail will eat adult Blue Velvet Shrimp (a small dwarf shrimp).
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 12–14 dGH.
Side-by-side
| Blue Velvet Shrimp | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–78°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.8 | 7–8.4 |
| Hardness (GH) | 4–14 dGH | 12–30 dGH |
| Adult size | 1" | 5.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 5 gal | 29 gal |
Together, plan on at least 29 gallons.
Compatible alternatives
Instead of Blue Velvet Shrimp (to keep Swordtail):
- Amano Shrimp — 2", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Bamboo / Wood Shrimp — 3.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Vampire Shrimp — 6", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Instead of Swordtail (to keep Blue Velvet Shrimp):
- Variatus Platy — 2.75", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Platy — 2.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Sparkling Gourami — 1.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Where to buy
- Blue Velvet Shrimp: 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 Blue Velvet Shrimp · …with Swordtail