10 Best Swordtail Fish Tank Mates 2024 (With Pictures)

These vibrant and active fish, scientifically known as Xiphophorus hellerii, are a popular choice for home aquariums. Their ease of care and striking appearance make them a favorite among fish enthusiasts.

However, their well-being significantly depends on the company they keep. Whether you’re a seasoned fish keeper or just starting, this guide will help you create a harmonious and visually appealing aquatic environment for your Swordtails.

From the peaceful Platies to the industrious Corydoras Catfish, we’ll provide insights into how each of these tank mates can contribute to a balanced ecosystem in your aquarium.

Criteria for Selecting Tank Mates

When setting up an aquarium with Swordtail fish, choosing the right tank mates is crucial for a harmonious and healthy environment. Here are the key criteria to consider:

1. Size Compatibility

1. Match the Sizes: Choose fish that are similar in size to the Swordtails. Smaller fish might be bullied or eaten, while much larger fish could intimidate the Swordtails.
2. Space Requirements: Ensure the aquarium is spacious enough to accommodate all the fish comfortably.

2. Temperament and Social Behavior

1. Peaceful Companions: Opt for fish known for their peaceful nature. Aggressive or overly territorial fish can cause stress and harm to Swordtails.
2. Social Dynamics: Some fish prefer schooling, while others are solitary. Match these preferences to keep all species content.

3. Water Conditions and Habitat Requirements

1. Water Parameters: Ensure all chosen species thrive in similar water conditions (pH, temperature, hardness).
2. Environmental Needs: Look for fish that require similar habitat elements, like plants, rocks, or open swimming areas, to suit all tank inhabitants.

Best Swordtail Fish Tank Mates

1. Platies

Platies are an excellent choice as tank mates for Swordtail fish. Their peaceful nature and similar size make them compatible with a community aquarium.

They are easy to care for, thrive in a variety of water conditions, and enjoy a diet similar to Swordtails, making feeding simple. Their bright colors and active swimming patterns add vibrancy and liveliness to the tank, creating an engaging and harmonious aquatic environment.

2. Mollies

Mollies make great tank mates for Swordtail fish due to their peaceful and sociable nature. They are adaptable and easy to care for, which makes them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists.

Mollies thrive in similar water conditions as Swordtails and share a preference for omnivorous diets, ensuring a harmonious feeding routine. Their larger size complements the Swordtails well, and their active swimming and variety of colors contribute to a dynamic and aesthetically pleasing aquarium environment.

3. Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras Catfish are an excellent choice for companions to Swordtail fish. Their peaceful demeanor ensures a stress-free environment for both species. These catfish are bottom dwellers and help keep the tank clean by feeding on leftover food.

They are adaptable to a variety of water conditions, similar to those preferred by Swordtails, making tank maintenance straightforward. Their small to medium size and easy care level make them ideal for community tanks, contributing to a balanced and healthy aquatic ecosystem.

4. Guppies

Guppies are a splendid choice for tank mates with Swordtail fish. Their small size and peaceful temperament make them non-threatening companions. They are easy to care for, requiring similar water conditions as Swordtails, which simplifies tank management.

Guppies have a varied diet, much like Swordtails, making feeding routines uncomplicated. Their vibrant colors and lively swimming patterns add a dynamic and visually appealing aspect to the aquarium, enhancing the overall beauty and diversity of the aquatic habitat.

5. Neon Tetras

Neon Tetras are an ideal match for Swordtail fish in a community aquarium. Their small size and peaceful nature ensure they coexist harmoniously with Swordtails. Neon Tetras are schooling fish, adding a dynamic and coordinated movement to the tank, which is both fascinating and visually appealing.

They require similar water conditions as Swordtails, making the tank’s environmental management straightforward. Their omnivorous diet aligns well with that of the Swordtails, allowing for a shared feeding regime.

6. Zebra Danios

Zebra Danios are an excellent choice as tank mates for Swordtail fish. They are known for their active and peaceful nature, making them compatible with the similarly tempered Swordtails. Zebra Danios are easy to care for and adapt well to various water conditions, much like the Swordtails, which simplifies aquarium maintenance.

Their diet is omnivorous, aligning well with the feeding habits of Swordtails. The distinct horizontal stripes of the Zebra Danios add a striking visual element to the tank, enhancing its overall appeal and creating a dynamic aquatic environment.

7. Dwarf Gourami

Dwarf Gouramis are a superb tank mate choice for Swordtail fish. Their peaceful and somewhat shy nature makes them a non-threatening companion in a community tank. Dwarf Gouramis are known for their moderate care level, requiring a bit of attention but still suitable for most aquarium enthusiasts.

They thrive in similar water conditions as Swordtails, facilitating easier tank management. With an omnivorous diet, they easily adapt to the feeding patterns of Swordtails. The Dwarf Gourami’s striking colors and graceful swimming add an element of calm elegance to the aquarium, enhancing the visual diversity and overall harmony of the tank.

8. Cherry Barb

Cherry Barbs are an excellent choice as tank mates for Swordtail fish. Known for their peaceful and somewhat shy nature, they coexist well with Swordtails without causing any stress or aggression in the tank.

They are easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Cherry Barbs thrive in similar water conditions as Swordtails, simplifying tank maintenance. Their omnivorous diet aligns with the feeding habits of Swordtails, ensuring a harmonious feeding environment.

9. Harlequin Rasbora

Harlequin Rasboras are a fantastic choice for companions to Swordtail fish in a community aquarium. They are renowned for their peaceful and sociable nature, allowing them to integrate seamlessly with Swordtails.

These fish are easy to care for, requiring similar water conditions and diet as Swordtails, which makes managing a shared tank convenient. Harlequin Rasboras are small, active swimmers, adding a lively and vibrant dynamic to the aquarium.

10. Otocinclus Catfish

Otocinclus Catfish are a superb choice as tank mates for Swordtail fish. They are known for their peaceful and shy demeanor, making them a non-intrusive addition to the tank. Otocinclus Catfish are moderately easy to care for and thrive in a range of water conditions compatible with Swordtail fish.

Their diet primarily consists of algae, which helps in maintaining tank cleanliness. Despite their small size, they are effective at keeping the tank free from algae growth, contributing to a healthier and more attractive aquarium environment.

Tank Setup and Environmental Needs for Swordtail Fish and Their Mates

Creating the ideal tank setup for Swordtail fish and their mates involves careful consideration of several factors to ensure a healthy and stimulating environment. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Tank Size

Start with at least a 20-gallon tank for Swordtails and their mates. Larger tanks are better for maintaining stable water conditions and providing adequate swimming space.

2. Water Conditions

1. Temperature: Maintain water temperatures between 72°F and 79°F.
2. pH Levels: Aim for a pH level between 7.0 and 8.2.
3. Filtration: Use a high-quality filter to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated.

3. Plants and Decorations

1. Plants: Incorporate live plants such as Java Fern, Anubias, or Hornwort. They provide natural hiding spots and help maintain water quality.
2. Decorations: Add rocks, driftwood, and caves for additional hiding spaces, crucial for reducing stress and territorial behavior.

4. Lighting

Provide moderate lighting to support plant growth and mimic natural light cycles. Avoid overly bright lights, which can cause stress.

5. Swimming Space

Ensure there is ample open space for swimming. Swordtails and many of their suitable tank mates are active swimmers and appreciate room to move.

5. Substrate

Use a fine gravel or sand substrate that’s gentle on the fish and suitable for plant growth.

6. Regular Maintenance

Perform regular water changes (around 25% weekly) and monitor water quality to keep the environment healthy.

By following these guidelines, you can create an ideal tank setup that meets the environmental needs of Swordtail fish and their companions, ensuring a thriving and harmonious aquatic community.