Can Royal Pleco live with Swordtail?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 12 dGH.
- Large size gap (Royal Pleco 17" vs Swordtail 5.5") — the bigger fish may eat the smaller one as they grow.
Sweet spot: both do well at 73–82°F and pH 7–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Royal Pleco | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–82°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 7–8.4 |
| Hardness (GH) | 4–12 dGH | 12–30 dGH |
| Adult size | 17" | 5.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 120 gal | 29 gal |
Together, plan on at least 120 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- Add only full-grown adults — never juveniles, which will be eaten.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Royal 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 Royal Pleco · …with Swordtail