Can african cichlids live with swordtails?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. African cichlids and swordtails can share a tank, but watch one thing. African cichlids are aggressive. Swordtails hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

African cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6

Swordtail72–79°F · pH 7–8.3

What to watch

Watch outAfrican cichlids are aggressive. Swordtails hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

What works

Both are fine at 75–79°F.
pH 7.8–8.3 suits both.

Water side by side

The green band is the temperature range both can live in.

The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

	African cichlid	Swordtail
Temperature	75–82 °F	72–79 °F
pH	7.8–8.6	7–8.3
Adult size	5.0 in	5.0 in
Minimum tank	55 gal	30 gal
Temperament	Aggressive	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	All levels	Middle
Group	Groups of 6+	Groups of 3+
Diet	Herbivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for african cichlids

All african cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for swordtails

All swordtail tank mates

Questions

Can african cichlids live with swordtails?

Yes, with care. African cichlids and swordtails can share a tank, but watch one thing. African cichlids are aggressive. Swordtails hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

What temperature suits both african cichlids and swordtails?

75–79 °F. African cichlids need 75–82 °F, swordtails need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do african cichlids and swordtails need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the african cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.