Compatibility Overview
Angelfish and Swordtail can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 75-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
| Factor | Angelfish | Swordtail | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74–84°F | 65–80°F | ✅ 74–80°F |
| pH Range | 6.0–7.5 | 7.0–8.3 | ⚠️ 7.0–7.5 (narrow) |
| Temperament | semi | peaceful | ⚠️ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 6 in | 5 in | ✅ Similar |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 3+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 75 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
⚠️ Caution Points
Species Profiles
Angelfish — Pterophyllum scalare
Elegant South American cichlids with long flowing fins. Generally peaceful but territorial when breeding and will eat very small fish.
Swordtail — Xiphophorus hellerii
Hardy livebearer with a distinctive elongated lower tail fin in males. Peaceful community fish that tolerate a wide temperature range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Angelfish live with Swordtail?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. Angelfish and Swordtail can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 75-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
What tank size do I need for Angelfish and Swordtail together?
A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for keeping Angelfish and Swordtail together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Angelfish and Swordtail?
74–80°F
Is a Angelfish aggressive toward a Swordtail?
Angelfish is semi and Swordtail is peaceful. Limited pH overlap (7.0–7.5) — maintain pH carefully within this narrow window.