Can Swordtail Live With Clown Pleco?
Swordtail and Clown Pleco are compatible. Temperature overlap 73–82°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 20 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Swordtail | Clown Pleco | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 73–82°F | 73–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7–8.4 | 6.5–7.5 | 7–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 5.5" | 3.5" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 20 gal | 20 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Herbivore/Wood eater | — |
| Care Level | beginner | beginner | — |
Tank Requirements for Swordtail + Clown Pleco
To keep Swordtail and Clown Pleco together, you need at minimum a 20 gallon tank. 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
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 →Clown Pleco
Panaqolus maccus
Clown plecos are beautiful, small plecos with striking orange and black striped patterns. At only 3.5 inches max size, they are perfect for 20-gallon and larger community tanks. Unlike many pleco species, they are primarily wood eaters rather than algae eaters — driftwood is an essential part of their setup. They are shy, nocturnal, and make excellent additions to planted tanks.
Full care guide →