Can Flower Shrimp live with Swordtail?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 12 dGH.
- Swordtail eats dwarf shrimp, but Flower Shrimp grows to 2.5" — big enough to be safe with dense cover.
Sweet spot: both do well at 72–79°F and pH 7–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Flower Shrimp | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 68–79°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 7–8.4 |
| Hardness (GH) | 5–12 dGH | 12–30 dGH |
| Adult size | 2.5" | 5.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| 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.
- Keep a large, established shrimp colony in a heavily planted tank with moss and cover so enough survive to breed.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Flower 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 Flower Shrimp · …with Swordtail