Can Black Skirt Tetra Live With Swordtail?
Black Skirt Tetra and Swordtail are compatible. Temperature overlap 72–82°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 20 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Black Skirt Tetra | Swordtail | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–82°F | 72–82°F | 72–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 7–8.4 | 7–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 3" | 5.5" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 15 gal | 20 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | beginner | — |
Tank Requirements for Black Skirt Tetra + Swordtail
To keep Black Skirt Tetra and Swordtail together, you need at minimum a 20 gallon tank. Black Skirt Tetra should be kept in a school of 6+. Swordtail should be kept in a school of 3+. Provide adequate filtration, stable temperature with a heater, and hiding spots to reduce stress.
Species Profiles
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Black skirt tetras (also sold as black widow tetras) are hardy, easy-to-care-for schooling fish with a distinctive flowing black anal fin that gives them their name. They come in natural silver-and-black and various dyed/modified versions (GloFish). The natural form is the healthiest choice. They can be mild fin nippers in small groups but are generally well-behaved community fish.
Full care guide →Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
Swordtails are hardy, colorful livebearers named for the distinctive elongated lower tail fin (the 'sword') found on males. They come in many color varieties including red, pineapple, marigold, and tuxedo. Larger than guppies but just as easy to care for, swordtails are excellent community fish that prefer hard, alkaline water.
Full care guide →