Can Swordtail live with False Rummynose Tetra?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 7.
- Swordtail is large enough to threaten a small False Rummynose Tetra — usually fine once both are adult, but watch new additions.
- No overlapping water hardness: Swordtail wants 12–30 dGH but False Rummynose Tetra wants 2–8 dGH.
Sweet spot: both do well at 75–82°F and pH 7–7 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Swordtail | False Rummynose Tetra | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 75–82°F |
| pH | 7–8.4 | 5.5–7 |
| Hardness (GH) | 12–30 dGH | 2–8 dGH |
| Adult size | 5.5" | 2" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 29 gal | 20 gal |
Together, plan on at least 29 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Swordtail: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- False Rummynose Tetra: 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 Swordtail · …with False Rummynose Tetra