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 fight with Swordtail — two scrappy species in one tank means constant territorial conflict.
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 | Semi-aggressive |
| Min tank | 75 gal | 29 gal |
Together, plan on at least 75 gallons.
Compatible alternatives
Instead of Oscar (to keep Swordtail):
- Kissing Gourami — 12", semi-aggressive
- Giant Gourami — 24", semi-aggressive
- Swordtail — 5.5", semi-aggressive
Instead of Swordtail (to keep Oscar):
- Oscar — 16", aggressive
- Kissing Gourami — 12", semi-aggressive
- Giant Gourami — 24", semi-aggressive
Design the whole tank, not just the stocking
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Design a tank with Oscar, Swordtail →Everything compatible with Oscar · …with Swordtail