Can Swordtail live with Vampire Shrimp?
Light caution
Why
- Swordtail eats dwarf shrimp, but Vampire Shrimp grows to 6" — big enough to be safe with dense cover.
Sweet spot: both do well at 75–82°F and pH 7–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Swordtail | Vampire Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 75–84°F |
| pH | 7–8.4 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 12–30 dGH | 6–15 dGH |
| Adult size | 5.5" | 6" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 29 gal | 30 gal |
Together, plan on at least 30 gallons.
How to make it work
- 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
- Swordtail: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Vampire Shrimp: 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 Vampire Shrimp