If you have guppies and are wondering whether you should add swordtails to their tank or not, or vice versa, then this article is definitely for you.
Fortunately, guppies and swordtails can safely live together in the same tank as they’re from the same family; Poeciliidae.
Not only are guppies and swordtails livebearers, but both species also have comparable tank requirements. You’d be able to tell they’re very compatible based on their temperature and diet routine requirements.
It’s not an odd decision to decide to keep both guppies and swordtails together. Many aquarists already do due to their compatibility. That said, all you need to do is keep on reading this article to know precisely how to make them coexist in your tank peacefully.
Can Guppies and Swordtails Live Together in the Same Tank?
Since we now know that it’s okay to keep guppies with swordtails in the same tank, we’re going to explore some essentials you should know before you keep them together.
When you’re adjusting the tank temperature, for example, you have to consider their respective preferences and differences. You should also be aware of their habits and any potential sources of stress for them.
You should also be aware of their tank requirements as well as their diets. You’d know how to keep your guppies and swordtail fish happy and safe as a result.
Water Temperatures
As guppies and swordtail fish are tropical fish, they both enjoy warm temperatures. Guppies prefer temperatures of 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, while swordtails prefer 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit is the perfect temperature range for both your guppies and swordtail fish.
You need to make sure the water temperature doesn’t change too frequently, too drastically, or too abruptly. Guppies and swordtail fish are flexible fish that can survive outside of their natural habitat for long periods of time, but they do not cope well with quick parameter changes.
Temperaments
Guppies and Swordtails have similar behavior. For example, when you expose them to a new tank, they will be shy and timid at first, but they’ll get used to it fairly quickly.
You also will notice them getting a little startled in their own tank if there was a sudden change of water after a long period without water changes.
They’re both also calm fish that enjoy being around other fish. When it comes to food or space, though, both fish can be aggressive. So, if they have sufficient space and food, they can coexist.
However, swordtails are known to bully other fish, including guppies. This is why it’s preferable if there are more guppies than swordtails. This will keep swordtails at bay.
Tank Size
Small tanks are unsuitable for both swordtail fish and guppies. On the one hand, swimming is difficult for swordtails since they require a lot of room. On the other hand, guppies are just as energetic as swordtails.
Putting too many fish in a tiny tank can only lead to overcrowding, which will bring plenty of issues. These issues include:
- Fish aggression that can lead to injuries and stress-related diseases.
- Ammonia boost that arises due to decomposing particles and extra fish waste.
To avoid these issues, try purchasing a larger tank to keep the guppies and swordtails happy and healthy.
Diet and Feeding
Guppies and swordtails both require a well-balanced omnivorous diet that provides them with all the nutrients they need to live a healthy life.
They also require a substantial amount of food on a daily basis in order to thrive. They might have to be fed up to four times a day at times.
Make sure every fish has access to food, which you can do by spreading the food throughout the water’s surface. This method of feeding will eliminate food-related competition and violence, allowing all fish to eat healthily.
Guppies and swordtails will begin to deteriorate in health if you do not feed them enough. They’ll also start wandering around their tanks looking for food.
This roaming can lead to the fish invading each other’s territories in the tank, which, when combined with an increasing appetite, can lead to fights. This, stick to a diet routine that would keep your guppies and swordtails safe.
Can Guppies and Swordtails Breed?
Keeping guppies and swordtails can make you wonder whether they can breed. The answer is no, they’re not compatible breeding partners.
Because they belong to a separate genus, breeding is not conceivable, despite the fact they’re both livebearers. Guppies are Poecilia, while swordtails are Xiphophorus.
Can Swordtail Fish Eat Guppy Fry?
The answer is yes, swordtails can eat guppy fry.
Swordtails can reach 5.5 inches in length, which is roughly double the maximum size of most female guppies. However, this isn’t a big deal because smaller fish, including guppies, will eat guppy fry.
Guppy fry will race to the surface once they’re conceived. They prefer to feed on the water’s surface and receive ample lighting there, making them visible to the entire tank. That’s why as soon as they’re born, adult fish will hunt and eat them.
To avoid this, either have the female give birth in a separate tank or fill the main tank with floating plants that gather at the water’s surface so guppy fry can hide.
The former choice is the best since it allows the fry to grow freely in a safe and stable environment. Once they’ve reached the age of four weeks, you can reintroduce them to the main tank.
In Summary
When kept in the right conditions, swordtails and guppies make excellent tankmates. However, most aquarium hobbyists who have trouble keeping these two fish together are overlooking the important care required for these species. Fortunately, because these species are so similar to each other, providing the right care shouldn’t be so difficult.