Can Rummy Nose Tetra Live With Swordtail?
Rummy Nose Tetra and Swordtail are compatible. Temperature overlap 75–82°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 20 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Rummy Nose Tetra | Swordtail | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–84°F | 72–82°F | 75–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 5.5–7 | 7–8.4 | 7–7 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 2.5" | 5.5" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 20 gal | 20 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | beginner | — |
Tank Requirements for Rummy Nose Tetra + Swordtail
To keep Rummy Nose Tetra and Swordtail together, you need at minimum a 20 gallon tank. Rummy Nose Tetra should be kept in a school of 8+. Swordtail should be kept in a school of 3+. Provide adequate filtration, stable temperature with a heater, and hiding spots to reduce stress.
Species Profiles
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Rummy nose tetras are considered the ultimate schooling fish in the freshwater hobby. Their tight, synchronized formations are unmatched by any other tetra species. The vivid red nose serves as a health indicator — bright red means healthy, pale red means stressed. They prefer soft, acidic water and are slightly more demanding than neon tetras.
Full care guide →Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
Swordtails are hardy, colorful livebearers named for the distinctive elongated lower tail fin (the 'sword') found on males. They come in many color varieties including red, pineapple, marigold, and tuxedo. Larger than guppies but just as easy to care for, swordtails are excellent community fish that prefer hard, alkaline water.
Full care guide →