Can Oscar live with Swordtail?
Not recommended
Why
- Oscar’s mouth is big enough to swallow Swordtail (only 5.5" long) — it will be eaten.
- Oscar is aggressive and will attack the peaceful Swordtail.
Side-by-side
| Oscar | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74–81°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6–8 | 7–8.4 |
| Hardness (GH) | 5–20 dGH | 12–30 dGH |
| Adult size | 16" | 5.5" |
| Temperament | Aggressive | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 75 gal | 29 gal |
Together, plan on at least 75 gallons.
Compatible alternatives
Instead of Oscar (to keep Swordtail):
- Giant Gourami — 24", semi-aggressive buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Yucatan Molly — 6", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Swordtail — 5.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Instead of Swordtail (to keep Oscar):
- Oscar — 16", aggressive buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Giant Gourami — 24", semi-aggressive buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Typhoon Pleco — 12", semi-aggressive buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Where to buy
- Oscar: 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 Oscar · …with Swordtail