Compatibility Overview
Clown Loach 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 100-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
| Factor | Clown Loach | Swordtail | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 77–86°F | 65–80°F | ⚠️ 77–80°F (narrow) |
| pH Range | 6.0–7.5 | 7.0–8.3 | ⚠️ 7.0–7.5 (narrow) |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | ✅ Compatible |
| Adult Size | 12 in | 5 in | ⚠️ 2.4× difference |
| Min. Group | 5+ | 3+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
⚠️ Caution Points
Species Profiles
Clown Loach — Chromobotia macracanthus
Striking striped loach that grows very large. Peaceful with fish but will eat shrimp, snails and tiny 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 Clown Loach live with Swordtail?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. Clown Loach 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 100-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
What tank size do I need for Clown Loach and Swordtail together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Clown Loach and Swordtail together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Clown Loach and Swordtail?
77–80°F (narrow)
Is a Clown Loach aggressive toward a Swordtail?
Clown Loach is peaceful and Swordtail is peaceful. Narrow temperature overlap (77–80°F) — keeping the tank at exactly 78–79°F is needed for both species.