Can Swordtail Live With Zebra Danio?
Yes, swordtails and zebra danios coexist well in 20 gallons or larger, with danios schooling near the surface and swordtails using the mid to upper water column.
Why
- Zebra danios are small active schooling fish at 2-2.5 inches that spend most of their time at the surface and upper water column.
- Swordtails are larger at 5-6 inches but are peaceful top-level swimmers that ignore smaller fish and pose no threat to zebra danio schools.
- Both species are active swimmers with no fin-nipping tendencies toward each other, and they tolerate similar water conditions.
- Temperature overlap of 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit suits both species, with zebra danios tolerating the lower end and swordtails preferring the warmer end.
- Both species prefer slightly alkaline water with the overlap of 7.0-7.5 being comfortable for each.
What could go wrong
Zebra danios are hyperactive swimmers that zip around the tank constantly, which can stress more laid-back fish and may cause swordtails to feel on edge in smaller tanks.
Gear for a shared tank
Sized for the 20 gallon minimum this pairing needs. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them.
AquaClear 30 Power Filter
Oversized filtration is what lets you stock two species together without water quality crashing. Rated for a tank slightly larger than the 20 gallon minimum.
Eheim Jager 150W Thermostat Heater
Holds a steady temperature inside the 72-78°F window both species need.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit
Keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in check. Two-species tanks have more bioload and less margin for error than single-species setups.
Related compatibility questions
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