Can Bristlenose Pleco live with Swordtail?
Light caution
Why
- Swordtail is semi-aggressive — give the peaceful Bristlenose Pleco plenty of space, cover and broken sight lines.
Sweet spot: both do well at 73–81°F and pH 7–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Bristlenose Pleco | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–81°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6–7.5 | 7–8.4 |
| Hardness (GH) | 2–15 dGH | 12–30 dGH |
| Adult size | 5" | 5.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Min tank | 25 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.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser
Where to buy
- Bristlenose Pleco: buy at The Shrimp Farm · The Shrimp Farm 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.
Design the whole tank, not just the stocking
Skapelab plans a complete, buildable planted aquarium around your fish — a hand-illustrated layout, the exact plants and hardscape, a placement map, and a full equipment and shopping list. Free.
Design a tank with Bristlenose Pleco, Swordtail →Everything compatible with Bristlenose Pleco · …with Swordtail