Can flowerhorns live with swordtails?
Verdict
No
No. Flowerhorns and swordtails should not share a tank. No shared temperature. Flowerhorns need 80–89°F, swordtails need 72–79°F.
What to watch
- Deal breakerNo shared temperature. Flowerhorns need 80–89°F, swordtails need 72–79°F.
- Deal breakerAn adult flowerhorn eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 5 inches swordtails do.
- Deal breakerFlowerhorns are aggressive and much bigger than swordtails.
What works
- pH 7–8 suits both.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Flowerhorn | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 80–89 °F | 72–79 °F |
| pH | 7–8 | 7–8.3 |
| Adult size | 12.0 in | 5.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 75 gal | 30 gal |
| Temperament | Aggressive | Semi-aggressive |
| Swims at | Middle | Middle |
| Group | One per tank | Groups of 3+ |
| Diet | Carnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for swordtails
Questions
Can flowerhorns live with swordtails?
No. Flowerhorns and swordtails should not share a tank. No shared temperature. Flowerhorns need 80–89°F, swordtails need 72–79°F.
What temperature suits both flowerhorns and swordtails?
None. Flowerhorns need 80–89 °F and swordtails need 72–79 °F, so the ranges do not meet.
What size tank do flowerhorns and swordtails need together?
At least 75 gal, set by the flowerhorn. Add space for each extra fish.