Can Chili Rasbora live with Swordtail?
Not recommended
Why
- Swordtail’s mouth is big enough to swallow Chili Rasbora (only 0.7" long) — it will be eaten.
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 7.
- No overlapping water hardness: Chili Rasbora wants 1–6 dGH but Swordtail wants 12–30 dGH.
Side-by-side
| Chili Rasbora | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–82°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 4–7 | 7–8.4 |
| Hardness (GH) | 1–6 dGH | 12–30 dGH |
| Adult size | 0.7" | 5.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 5 gal | 29 gal |
Together, plan on at least 29 gallons.
Compatible alternatives
Instead of Chili Rasbora (to keep Swordtail):
- Croaking Gourami — 3", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Cherry Barb — 2", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Chocolate Gourami — 2", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Instead of Swordtail (to keep Chili Rasbora):
- Noble Gourami — 3", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Variatus Platy — 2.75", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Sparkling Gourami — 1.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Where to buy
- Chili Rasbora: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Swordtail: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Build a full tank around this stocking →Everything compatible with Chili Rasbora · …with Swordtail