Can apistogramma live with swordtails?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Apistogramma and swordtails can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.

Apistogramma75–84°F · pH 5–7

Swordtail72–79°F · pH 7–8.3

What to watch

Watch outWater chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.

What works

Both are fine at 75–79°F.
They use different parts of the tank: apistogramma the bottom, swordtails the mid.

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

	Apistogramma	Swordtail
Temperature	75–84 °F	72–79 °F
pH	5–7	7–8.3
Adult size	3.0 in	5.0 in
Minimum tank	20 gal	30 gal
Temperament	Semi-aggressive	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	Bottom	Middle
Group	Alone or in pairs	Groups of 3+
Diet	Carnivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for apistogramma

All apistogramma tank mates

Better tank mates for swordtails

All swordtail tank mates

Questions

Can apistogramma live with swordtails?

Yes, with care. Apistogramma and swordtails can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.

What temperature suits both apistogramma and swordtails?

75–79 °F. Apistogramma need 75–84 °F, swordtails need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do apistogramma and swordtails need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the swordtail. Add space for each extra fish.