20 Swordtail Fish Tank Mates
Ever wondered which fish are the perfect mates for your lovely Swordtail fish? Let me share my personal experience and guide you through 20 fantastic tank mates, ensuring a lively and harmonious underwater community!
Platy Fish
Platy fish, native to Mexico and Central America, are an excellent addition to your Swordtail tank community. With their peaceful nature and bright colors, they’re sure to be a favorite among your Swordtail companions. Their sturdiness and adaptability make them a great choice for beginning aquarium hobbyists as well.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, flake food, frozen or live foods
- Max. Size: 2.5 inches
With their easy care and vibrant presence, Platy fish will undoubtedly create a lively ambiance in your Swordtail fish tank.
Molly Fish
Molly Fish are another fantastic addition to your Swordtail fish tank. Known for their lively behavior, stunning colors, and compatibility with Swordtails, they bring a sense of excitement and flair to your aquatic community.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, flake food, live, and frozen foods
- Max. Size: 4.5 inches
With their fun personalities and vibrant colors, Molly Fish can quickly become a beloved addition to your Swordtail tank. Just make sure you have adequate space to accommodate their active swimming habits!
Guppy Fish
Guppy Fish, with their stunning colors and tranquil demeanors, make an ideal addition to your Swordtail fish tank. Originating from South America, they are small but energetic swimmers, bringing a delightful mix of activity and beauty to your aquatic environment.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Min. Tank Size: 5 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, flake food, brine shrimp, and other frozen or live foods
- Max. Size: 2.5 inches
Not only are Guppy Fish captivating to watch, but they’re also simple to care for, proving to be an all-around fantastic option for your Swordtail fish tank community.
Corydoras
Corydoras, also known as Cory Catfish, are a fantastic choice for your Swordtail fish tank community. They not only help keep the tank clean by scavenging for uneaten food, but they also add an interesting dynamic to the bottom of your tank.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, sinking pellets, freeze-dried or live foods
- Max. Size: 2 to 4 inches (depending on species)
These peaceful and hardy fish are a valuable addition to any Swordtail tank, providing an invaluable balance and a fascinating new dimension to your underwater world.
Zebra Danios
Zebra Danios, renowned for their playful nature and vivid, striped appearance, make a wonderful addition to a Swordtail fish tank. These small, energetic swimmers love to zip around and explore every corner of their aquatic environment.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, flake food, small live, and frozen foods
- Max. Size: 2.5 inches
Adding Zebra Danios to your Swordtail tank not only brings more life and movement to the water, but also enhances the overall visual appeal with their striking and colorful patterns.
Angelfish
Angelfish, with their distinct and graceful appearance, make an eye-catching addition to your Swordtail fish tank. However, it’s essential to ensure that they are of similar size to your Swordtails to prevent any potential conflicts.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, flake food, live, and frozen foods
- Max. Size: 6 inches
Although Angelfish can be a little territorial and demanding when it comes to care, their unique beauty and elegance make them a tempting choice for any Swordtail fish tank community. Just remember to keep an eye on their interactions!
Dwarf Gouramis
Dwarf Gouramis, known for their vibrant colors and peaceful nature, can make a delightful addition to your Swordtail fish tank. Their gentle demeanor makes them an ideal companion, but be cautious — they can become stressed in overly active environments.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, flake food, live, or frozen foods
- Max. Size: 2.5 inches
Carefully placing Dwarf Gouramis alongside your Swordtails can add a stunning visual contrast and create a calm atmosphere in the tank. With a little extra attention to their needs, these colorful fish become perfect companions.
Celestial Pearl Danios
Celestial Pearl Danios, also known as Galaxy Rasboras, are charming little fish with a dazzling pattern of bright blue spots set against their deep, dark bodies. They’re a stunning sight to behold and an ideal tank mate for your Swordtails.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, micro pellets, flake food, live, or frozen foods
- Max. Size: 0.8 inches
These tiny celestial wonders are peaceful and easy to care for, making them a fabulous addition to your Swordtail aquarium. Their striking beauty and unique appearance will certainly leave you starstruck!
Harlequin Rasbora
Harlequin Rasboras are beautiful, small fish showcasing distinct orange and black markings. These peaceful and active swimmers make an excellent addition to your Swordtail fish tank community, enlivening the environment with their striking appearance.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, flake food, frozen, or live foods
- Max. Size: 1.8 inches
Not only do Harlequin Rasboras provide a stunning visual contrast when paired with Swordtails, but their harmonious behavior also helps maintain a serene atmosphere within the tank; a perfect choice for your aquatic world.
White Cloud Minnows
White Cloud Minnows are small, peaceful fish which add a delicate touch of grace to any Swordtail fish tank. With their tranquil swimming patterns and unique appearance, they’re a fascinating addition to your underwater community.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, flake food, frozen, or live foods
- Max. Size: 1.5 inches
Although White Cloud Minnows require relatively cooler water than Swordtails, with proper care, they can thrive together, creating a harmonious and visually appealing aquatic environment for you to enjoy.
Boesemani Rainbowfish
Boesemani Rainbowfish are stunning, active fish with vibrant colors that beautifully complement your Swordtail tank environment. These little swimmers are fast and energetic, adding an engaging visual element to your aquarium.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, high-quality flake food, frozen, or live foods
- Max. Size: 4 inches
Despite requiring a bit more care than some of the other options, Boesemani Rainbowfish bring a dazzling display of color and lively activity to your Swordtail tank, making them a captivating addition to your aquatic world.
Neon Tetras
Neon Tetras are small, brightly colored fish with a characteristic blue and red pattern. These charming little swimmers exhibit peaceful behavior and create a vibrant visual contrast alongside your Swordtails.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, high-quality flake food, frozen, or live foods
- Max. Size: 1.2 inches
Neon Tetras, with their easy care requirements and captivating appearance, make a delightful addition to your Swordtail tank. Watch as they effortlessly blend into the vivid underwater landscape, bringing joy to both you and your Swordtails!
Rosy Tetras
Rosy Tetras are adorable, small fish adorned with red and silver hues that beautifully harmonize with a Swordtail tank environment. Known for their peaceful nature, they effortlessly blend with other docile tank mates.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Min. Tank Size: 15 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, flake food, frozen, or live foods
- Max. Size: 1.6 inches
With their sweet demeanor and elegant appearance, Rosy Tetras contribute to the visual charm of your Swordtail tank. Their tranquil nature helps promote a serene and balanced aquatic community, delighting both you and your fish friends.
Rummy Nose Tetras
Rummy Nose Tetras, featuring a striking red head and unique tail pattern, make a fascinating addition to your Swordtail tank. These small, peaceful fish enjoy swimming in groups, creating an eye-catching dynamic in your aquatic environment.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, high-quality flake food, frozen, or live foods
- Max. Size: 2 inches
Although they require slightly more attention, Rummy Nose Tetras are well worth the effort. They bring an intriguing visual appeal and calming presence to your Swordtail tank, enhancing the overall experience for both you and your fish.
Rosy Barbs
Rosy Barbs, known for their gorgeous red-orange coloration and active swimming habits, can be a stunning addition to your Swordtail tank. Though they are occasionally nippy, providing them with ample space can minimize potential issues.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, flake food, vegetables, frozen, or live foods
- Max. Size: 6 inches
Striking a balance between space and care, Rosy Barbs can coexist happily alongside your Swordtails, contributing a lively and dynamic presence to your underwater community, while also adding visual warmth and excitement.
Kuhli Loaches
Kuhli Loaches, with their snake-like appearance and nocturnal habits, bring a unique and intriguing aspect to your Swordtail fish tank. Admirably peaceful and shy, they tend to stay out of the way during daytime hours.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, sinking pellets, frozen, or live foods
- Max. Size: 4 inches
Adding Kuhli Loaches to your Swordtail tank can create a captivating and mysterious ambience. Despite their needs for hiding spots and proper water conditions, their distinctive presence makes them a fascinating choice for your aquatic community.
Bristlenose Pleco
Bristlenose Plecos are hardy, bottom-dwelling fish known for their bristle-like appearance and tank-cleaning abilities. Their peaceful nature ensures their compatibility with Swordtails and other community fish.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivore, sinking algae wafers, vegetables, occasional protein
- Max. Size: 5 inches
Not only do they aid in keeping your Swordtail tank clean, Bristlenose Plecos also provide an interesting and unusual visual element. Their low-maintenance nature, combined with their harmonious personality, makes them a highly desirable choice for any Swordtail tank community.
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish, small and peaceful algae eaters, make excellent companions for your Swordtail fish tank. They are diligent tank cleaners and can help maintain a healthy environment for your underwater friends.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivore, algae wafers, fresh vegetables, occasional protein
- Max. Size: 2 inches
Though they require a bit more attention to water quality and hiding spots, Otocinclus Catfish contribute significantly to your tank’s overall health. Their tireless efforts not only benefit your Swordtails but also create a harmonious and clean environment to enjoy.
Siamese Algae Eater
Siamese Algae Eaters are dedicated algae eaters, contributing to the cleanliness of your Swordtail tank. Their peaceful temperament makes them an ideal addition to your community tank.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Care Level: Easy
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivore, algae wafers, vegetables, occasional protein
- Max. Size: 6 inches
With their constant efforts to keep algae in check, Siamese Algae Eaters play an important role in maintaining a flourishing environment for your Swordtails. Their active nature and compatibility make them valuable asset to your underwater world.
Kribensis Cichlids
Kribensis Cichlids, with their striking coloration and manageable size, can be an interesting addition to your Swordtail tank. While slightly more territorial, they can coexist harmoniously with Swordtails under the right circumstances.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Care Level: Moderate
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, high-quality cichlid pellets, flake food, frozen, or live foods
- Max. Size: 4 inches
Though they may require a little more planning and attention, Kribensis Cichlids can bring a vibrant and compelling presence to your Swordtail tank. Careful consideration of tank size and setup will ensure a thriving and vibrant community.
Tank Mates to Avoid Keeping with Swordtails
While Swordtail fish are generally peaceful, there are specific tank mates that one should avoid in order to maintain harmony and prevent any potential issues. Below is a list of tank mates that may not be suitable when keeping Swordtail fish:
- Predatory fish: Swordtails are peaceful fish, and putting them in the same tank with predatory species like Oscars, Arowanas, or Piranhas will lead to the Swordtails becoming a meal. I learned this the hard way when I introduced an Oscar into my community tank years ago.
- Aggressive fish: Any fish with an aggressive or territorial nature, such as Jack Dempseys, African Cichlids, or Siamese Fighting Fish, are a definite no. I had to separate my Siamese Fighting Fish as some aggressive behavior was directed at my Swordtails.
- Fish with similar shape: Some fish may mimic the appearance of Swordtails, such as mollies and platies. This can lead to competition and aggression. Separating them into different tanks improved my babies’ well-being significantly.
- Nipping fish: Any fish that enjoy nipping at the fins of others should be avoided, to prevent potential injuries to your Swordtails. Some notorious fin-nippers like Tiger Barbs and Serpae Tetras could cause harm to your Swordtails’ beautiful flowing tails.
- Large slow-moving fish: Large slow-moving fish such as Goldfish can also be at risk of being nipped by Swordtails, leading to stress and potential health issues for the larger fish.
All in all, the key to selecting the right tank mates for Swordtails is to opt for species that share a similar peaceful temperament and won’t pose a threat. Be mindful of not just the current size of your tank inhabitants but also their potential growth.
As someone who has been raising Swordtails for years, I can assure you that when you invest the time in choosing the right tank mates, your little watery community will thrive, and your Swordtails will live happily with their tank mates.
Conclusion
In summary, there is a variety of exciting and captivating fish species suited to join your Swordtail’s tank community. From bright colors and active swimmers to peaceful and unique appearances, the options are numerous. Which tank mate will you choose? Let us know in the comments below!
