Can Swordtail Live With Rope Fish?

✅Compatible

Swordtail and Rope Fish are compatible. Temperature overlap 72–82°F. Both peaceful.

Conditions: Minimum 55 gallon tank.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	Swordtail	Rope Fish	Overlap
Temperature	72–82°F	72–82°F	72–82°F ✓
pH Range	7–8.4	6.5–7.5	7–7.5 ✓
Temperament	peaceful	peaceful	Both peaceful ✓
Max Size	5.5"	15"	Similar ✓
Min Tank Size	20 gal	55 gal	55 gal minimum together
Diet	Omnivore	Carnivore	—
Care Level	beginner	intermediate	—

Tank Requirements for Swordtail + Rope Fish

To keep Swordtail and Rope Fish together, you need at minimum a 55 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

beginnerpeaceful20+ gal

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 →

Rope Fish

Erpetoichthys calabaricus

intermediatepeaceful55+ gal

The Rope Fish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus) is a intermediate-level freshwater fish growing to 15 inches. Peaceful temperament, minimum 55 gallon tank.

Full care guide →

Other Compatible Tank Mates

For Swordtail:

platy molly corydoras catfish bristlenose pleco neon tetra cherry barb

For Rope Fish:

bristlenose pleco angelfish rainbowfish