Can swordtails live with arowanas?
Verdict
No
No. Swordtails and arowanas should not share a tank. An adult silver arowana eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 5 inches swordtails do.
What to watch
- Deal breakerAn adult silver arowana eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 5 inches swordtails do.
- Deal breakerArowanas are aggressive and much bigger than swordtails.
- Watch outWater chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.
- Watch outArowanas grow to 36 inches and need 250 gallons, far more than a tank set up for swordtails.
What works
- Both are fine at 75–79°F.
- They use different parts of the tank: swordtails the mid, arowanas the top.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Swordtail | Silver arowana | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79 °F | 75–86 °F |
| pH | 7–8.3 | 6–7 |
| Adult size | 5.0 in | 36.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 30 gal | 250 gal |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Aggressive |
| Swims at | Middle | Top |
| Group | Groups of 3+ | One per tank |
| Diet | Omnivore | Carnivore |
Better tank mates for swordtails
Questions
Can swordtails live with arowanas?
No. Swordtails and arowanas should not share a tank. An adult silver arowana eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 5 inches swordtails do.
What temperature suits both swordtails and arowanas?
75–79 °F. Swordtails need 72–79 °F, arowanas need 75–86 °F.
What size tank do swordtails and arowanas need together?
At least 250 gal, set by the silver arowana. Add space for each extra fish.