Can Congo Tetra Live With Swordtail?
Congo Tetra and Swordtail are compatible. Temperature overlap 73–82°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 30 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Congo Tetra | Swordtail | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–82°F | 72–82°F | 73–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 7–8.4 | 7–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 3.5" | 5.5" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 30 gal | 20 gal | 30 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | beginner | — |
Tank Requirements for Congo Tetra + Swordtail
To keep Congo Tetra and Swordtail together, you need at minimum a 30 gallon tank. Congo 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
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Congo tetras are the showstoppers of the tetra family. Males develop spectacular flowing fins with an iridescent rainbow sheen that shifts from blue to gold to green under aquarium lighting. They are larger than most tetras (up to 3.5 inches) and need a spacious, well-planted tank to display their full beauty. Peaceful but shy — they thrive with calm tank mates.
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 →