Can Swordtail Live With Yellow Tang?
Cannot coexist — Swordtail is freshwater, Yellow Tang is saltwater.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Swordtail | Yellow Tang | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 75–82°F | 75–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7–8.4 | 8.1–8.4 | 8.1–8.4 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi-aggressive | Monitor ⚠ |
| Max Size | 5.5" | 8" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 20 gal | 75 gal | 75 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Herbivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | intermediate | — |
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 →Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
The yellow tang is the most iconic reef tank fish — a solid lemon-yellow disc that constantly grazes algae across the rock work. They are active, hardy, and excellent algae controllers for reef tanks. However, they need large tanks (75+ gallons minimum), can be aggressive toward similar-shaped fish, and have become significantly more expensive following collection bans in Hawaii.
Full care guide →