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Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Angelfish live with Swordtail?

Angelfish

Angelfish

Pterophyllum scalare

semi-aggressive~20cm
Swordtail

Swordtail

Xiphophorus hellerii

semi-aggressive~12cm
VerdictCAUTION

Caution. Check the issues below before buying.

Angelfish + Swordtail: Caution advised. Swordtails are active midwater livebearers; angels are territorial cichlids with flowing fins. Male swords chase each other and can stress angels in under-tall tanks. Possible in 120L+ with height and plants — not a shop impulse mix. Outcomes still depend on your tank shape, maintenance routine, and individual fish.

Compatibility score

72/100

Profile confidence: medium

Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.

Min tank

150L

Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 150L (larger active fish often want more length).

Temperature
Range in °C24–28°C shared
AngelfishSwordtailShared window
pH
Range7–7.5 shared
AngelfishSwordtailShared window

Assessment details

  1. Caution advised

    Top issue

    Swordtails are active midwater livebearers; angels are territorial cichlids with flowing fins. Male swords chase each other and can stress angels in under-tall tanks. Possible in 120L+ with height and plants — not a shop impulse mix.

  2. Compatible temperaments

    Both Angelfish and Swordtail share a semi-aggressive temperament.

  3. Compatible temperature range

    Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.

“Swordtails are active midwater livebearers; angels are…”

Caution advised
Sources from both profiles
Only URLs that exist on the species records are shown. We do not fabricate citations.
  • Seriously Fish. Pterophyllum scalare

    Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).

  • FishBase. Pterophyllum scalare

    Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.

  • Wikipedia. Pterophyllum scalare

    Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.

  • Seriously Fish. Xiphophorus hellerii

    Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).

  • FishBase. Xiphophorus hellerii

    Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.

  • Wikipedia. Xiphophorus hellerii

    Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.

Try this next

Build the full stocking list with Angelfish + Swordtail

Compare another pairOpen tank builder

Plan further

Try both species in the full-stock tank check, or open either fish profile for mates lists. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.

Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.

Profile data confidence: high. Checked against several solid care sources that mostly agree.

Full tank-mate guides

Related pair checks

Other tank mates for Angelfish

Angelfish + Swordtail — common questions

Can Angelfish live with Swordtail?
Angelfish + Swordtail: Caution advised. Swordtails are active midwater livebearers; angels are territorial cichlids with flowing fins. Male swords chase each other and can stress angels in under-tall tanks. Possible in 120L+ with height and plants — not a shop impulse mix. Outcomes still depend on your tank shape, maintenance routine, and individual fish.
What tank size do you need for Angelfish and Swordtail together?
For this pair Fishori recommends a minimum of around 150 litres, derived from each species' published minimum and group needs.
What's the main risk?
Swordtails are active midwater livebearers; angels are territorial cichlids with flowing fins. Male swords chase each other and can stress angels in under-tall tanks. Possible in 120L+ with height and plants — not a shop impulse mix.
What else should I check?
Both Angelfish and Swordtail share a semi-aggressive temperament.