Swordtail tank mates
Xiphophorus hellerii
5 rated pairings from the Swordtail care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Swordtail needs at least 20 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
2 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
10 gal min · 2.5" adult · Peaceful
Similar size, water requirements, and peaceful temperament; both are livebearers with compatible breeding behavior
Molly
Poecilia sphenops
15 gal min · 3" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful livebearer with identical water parameter needs and mid-water swimming habits
Good matches
3 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones and do not compete for space or food
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
20 gal min · 5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful algae-eater that occupies bottom zones and helps maintain tank cleanliness without aggression
Ramshorn Snail
Planorbarius corneus
5 gal min · 0.75" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful invertebrate that helps control algae and decaying matter; swordtails rarely bother snails
Also recommended alongside Swordtail
Species whose own guides list Swordtail as a tank mate.
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.