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Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Betta live with Swordtail?

Betta

Betta

Betta splendens

semi-aggressive~7cm
Swordtail

Swordtail

Xiphophorus hellerii

semi-aggressive~12cm
VerdictCAUTION

Caution. Check the issues below before buying.

Betta + Swordtail: Caution advised. Swordtails are active mid-water schoolers that crowd the betta's space, and males may chase. The pairing can work in a 100L+ planted tank but is rarely a clean success in starter-size aquariums. 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

80L

Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 80L (larger active fish often want more length).

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

Assessment details

  1. Caution advised

    Top issue

    Swordtails are active mid-water schoolers that crowd the betta's space, and males may chase. The pairing can work in a 100L+ planted tank but is rarely a clean success in starter-size aquariums.

  2. Compatible temperaments

    Both Betta and Swordtail share a semi-aggressive temperament.

  3. Compatible temperature range

    Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.

“Swordtails are active mid-water schoolers that crowd the…”

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

Try this next

Build the full stocking list with Betta + Swordtail

Compare another pairOpen tank builder

Plan further

Check each species’ mates list, size the glass, then verify the full stock in the builder. 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

Betta + Swordtail — common questions

Can Betta live with Swordtail?
Yes, if you plan for it. The verdict is CAUTION, which means the pairing works when specific conditions are met, not by default. The assessment details on this page list what to set up first.
What tank size do you need for Betta and Swordtail together?
Plan around 80 litres as the working minimum. That figure comes from each species' published minimum and their group needs, and it assumes adult sizes, not shop sizes.
What's the main risk?
The main constraint comes from a curated keeper note rather than a single mechanical rule. The matching entry under assessment details on this page explains the reasoning and the numbers behind it.