Tank Mate Guide

Best Tank Mates for Swordtail

Swordtails need tank mates that match their 72-82F temperature range, pH 7-8.3, adult size, and peaceful temperament. Swordtails prefer harder, more alkaline water than many soft-water fish. They are usually peaceful but should not be kept with fin nippers or fish large enough to eat them.

Swordtail Care Snapshot

Tank

30+ gal

pH

7-8.3

Temp

72-82F

Size

4.7 in

Temperament

Peaceful

Care

Beginner

Swim Level

Middle

Group

3+

Compatible Fish (50)

Use Caution (22)

Avoid These Tank Mates (7)

African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) in a freshwater aquarium

African Dwarf Frog

Size 0.8 inpH 6.5-7.8

Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) in a freshwater aquarium

Axolotl

Size 0.4 inpH 6.8-8

Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) in a freshwater aquarium

Cardinal Tetra

Size 2 inpH 4.8-6.8

Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) in a freshwater aquarium

Common Pleco

Size 17.7 inpH 6.5-7.8

Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans) in a freshwater aquarium

Green Neon Tetra

Size 1 inpH 4.5-6.8

Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) in a freshwater aquarium

Pea Puffer

Size 1 inpH 6.8-7.8

Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) in a freshwater aquarium

Scarlet Badis

Size 0.8 inpH 6.5-7.5

Tank Setup Tips

Start with at least 30 gallons, keep water stable, and stock schooling species in proper groups. If the tank mate list includes caution species, add more plants, caves, and open swimming room before introducing them.

For a specific pair, use the compatibility checker or visit generated pair pages from the cards above. Compatibility is strongest when the aquarium is mature and each species can eat without being chased.

Back to the Swordtail care guide