Can bichirs live with swordtails?
Verdict
No
No. Bichirs and swordtails should not share a tank. An adult bichir eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 5 inches swordtails do.
What to watch
- Deal breakerAn adult bichir eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 5 inches swordtails do.
What works
- Both are fine at 72–79°F.
- pH 7–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: bichirs the bottom, swordtails the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Bichir | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82 °F | 72–79 °F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 7–8.3 |
| Adult size | 12.0 in | 5.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 75 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 bichirs
Better tank mates for swordtails
Questions
Can bichirs live with swordtails?
No. Bichirs and swordtails should not share a tank. An adult bichir eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 5 inches swordtails do.
What temperature suits both bichirs and swordtails?
72–79 °F. Bichirs need 72–82 °F, swordtails need 72–79 °F.
What size tank do bichirs and swordtails need together?
At least 75 gal, set by the bichir. Add space for each extra fish.