Yellow Swordtail tank mates
Xiphophorus hellerii
5 rated pairings from the Yellow Swordtail care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Yellow Swordtail needs at least 20 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
2 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Good matches
3 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
10 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Similar size and water requirements; may interbreed with swordtails, creating hybrids
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
10 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful schooling fish of similar size; prefers slightly cooler water but adaptable
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Small, peaceful community fish; swordtails may occasionally nip at long fins but generally compatible
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.