Can Chocolate Gourami live with Swordtail?
Caution — with care
Why
- No overlapping pH: Chocolate Gourami wants 4–6.5 but Swordtail wants 7–8.4.
- No overlapping water hardness: Chocolate Gourami wants 0–5 dGH but Swordtail wants 12–30 dGH.
- Swordtail is semi-aggressive — give the peaceful Chocolate Gourami plenty of space, cover and broken sight lines.
- Large size gap (Swordtail 5.5" vs Chocolate Gourami 2") — watch that the smaller one gets its share at feeding time.
Side-by-side
| Chocolate Gourami | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 78–86°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 4–6.5 | 7–8.4 |
| Hardness (GH) | 0–5 dGH | 12–30 dGH |
| Adult size | 2" | 5.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Min tank | 15 gal | 29 gal |
Together, plan on at least 29 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- Use a larger, well-decorated tank with sightline breaks, keep everyone well-fed, and add the calmer fish first.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser
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Design a tank with Chocolate Gourami, Swordtail →Everything compatible with Chocolate Gourami · …with Swordtail