Can Typhoon Pleco live with Swordtail?
Caution — with care
Why
- Typhoon Pleco is semi-aggressive and may bully the peaceful Swordtail — give lots of space and cover.
- No overlapping water hardness: Typhoon Pleco wants 6–7.5 dGH but Swordtail wants 12–30 dGH.
Sweet spot: both do well at 75–82°F and pH 7–7.6 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Typhoon Pleco | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–84°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.6 | 7–8.4 |
| Hardness (GH) | 6–7.5 dGH | 12–30 dGH |
| Adult size | 12" | 5.5" |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 125 gal | 29 gal |
Together, plan on at least 125 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.
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Typhoon Pleco: 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 Typhoon Pleco · …with Swordtail