Can Swordtail live with Tiger Barb?
Caution — with care
Why
- Tiger Barb is semi-aggressive and may bully the peaceful Swordtail — give lots of space and cover.
- Tiger Barb is a fin-nipper and will shred the long/flowing fins of Swordtail.
- Swordtail is large enough to threaten a small Tiger Barb — usually fine once both are adult, but watch new additions.
Sweet spot: both do well at 74–82°F and pH 7–8 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Swordtail | Tiger Barb | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 74–82°F |
| pH | 7–8.4 | 6–8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 12–30 dGH | 4–15 dGH |
| Adult size | 5.5" | 2.75" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Semi-aggressive |
| Min tank | 29 gal | 20 gal |
Together, plan on at least 29 gallons.
How to make it work
- Use a larger, well-decorated tank with sightline breaks, keep everyone well-fed, and add the calmer fish first.
- Keep the nipper in a bigger group (8+) to spread out the nipping, and avoid long-finned tankmates.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Swordtail: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Tiger Barb: 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 Swordtail · …with Tiger Barb