Guppy and Swordtail Compatibility Overview
Short answer: Yes. Both do well at 72-80°F and both are peaceful. Match the tank size and group size in the table below and both should do well.
Guppy and Swordtail can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Both species are peaceful, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 55-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
| Factor | Guppy | Swordtail | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 65–80°F | ✅ 72–80°F |
| pH Range | 6.8–8.5 | 7.0–8.3 | ✅ 7.0–8.3 |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | ✅ Compatible |
| Adult Size | 2.5 in | 5 in | ⚠️ 2.0× difference |
| Min. Group | 3+ | 3+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 55 gallons (for both species) | — | |
Compatibility Positives
Caution Points
Species Profiles
Guppy — Poecilia reticulata
Hardy and colourful livebearers. Males' long flowing tails make them targets for fin-nipping species. Very prolific breeders.
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 Guppy live with Swordtail?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. Guppy and Swordtail can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Both species are peaceful, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 55-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
What tank size do I need for Guppy and Swordtail together?
A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for keeping Guppy and Swordtail together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Guppy and Swordtail?
72–80°F — inside Guppy's 72–82°F and Swordtail's 65–80°F.
Is a Guppy aggressive toward a Swordtail?
Guppy is peaceful and Swordtail is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
More Good Tank Mates for Guppy and Swordtail
The highest-scoring compatible partners for each species in our compatibility data.
For Guppy
- Molly — 96/100
- Neon Rainbowfish — 96/100
- Clown Pleco — 95/100
- Pearl Danio — 93/100
- Zebra Danio — 93/100
For Swordtail
- Bristlenose Pleco — 91/100
- Mystery Snail — 91/100
- Platy — 90/100
- Corydoras — 89/100
- Molly — 89/100
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Guppy and Swordtail
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 55 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 75 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 125 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |