Species Profile
Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
Livebearerspeaceful
Adult size
5.5″
Minimum tank
29 gal
Temperature
70–82°F
pH
7–8.4
Schooling
Group of 3+
Water level
mid
Diet
Flake, pellets, veggie
Notes
Larger livebearer with the male's signature sword-shaped tail extension. Males spar with each other, so keep one male per several females or all females. Prefers slightly hard, alkaline water and plenty of horizontal swimming room.
Compatible Tankmates
Best tank mates for Swordtail
Every species below passes the compatibility engine when paired with Swordtailin a suitably sized tank. Verdicts come from the same rules the builder uses — click a card to see that species' own care profile and its tank mates in turn.
Cardinal Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Rummynose Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Harlequin Rasbora
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Zebra Danio
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Fancy Guppy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Platy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Molly
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Male Betta
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Dwarf Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Honey Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Pearl Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
German Blue Ram
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Photo: Böhm / Wikimedia Commons · Source · CC-BY-2.5