Can Longfin Bristlenose Pleco live with Swordtail?
Caution — with care
Why
- No overlapping water hardness: Longfin Bristlenose Pleco wants 6.5–7.5 dGH but Swordtail wants 12–30 dGH.
- Swordtail is semi-aggressive — give the peaceful Longfin Bristlenose Pleco plenty of space, cover and broken sight lines.
Sweet spot: both do well at 72–82°F and pH 7–7.6 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Longfin Bristlenose Pleco | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.6 | 7–8.4 |
| Hardness (GH) | 6.5–7.5 dGH | 12–30 dGH |
| Adult size | 5" | 5.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Min tank | 30 gal | 29 gal |
Together, plan on at least 30 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- 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
- Longfin 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.
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Design a tank with Longfin Bristlenose Pleco, Swordtail →Everything compatible with Longfin Bristlenose Pleco · …with Swordtail