Can Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Northern Mountain Swordtail Live Together?

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) is a peaceful species (0/10), while Northern Mountain Swordtail is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Northern Mountain Swordtail may occasionally assert dominance over Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black).

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Northern Mountain Swordtail both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Northern Mountain Swordtail is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 20°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 22.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) (5.5–6.8) and Northern Mountain Swordtail (7–8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) needs 3–6 dGH while Northern Mountain Swordtail requires 8–20 dGH.

To house Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Northern Mountain Swordtail together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 90 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Soil / Nutrient Rich, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Northern Mountain Swordtail needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Northern Mountain Swordtail are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.