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

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) is a peaceful species (0/10), while Swordtail is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This notable difference means Swordtail may occasionally assert dominance over Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black).

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and 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: Swordtail is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 21°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 22.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) (5.5–6.8) and Swordtail (7–8.3) 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 Swordtail requires 12–30 dGH.

To house Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and Swordtail together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 80 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.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black) and 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.