I have a peaceful community tank with 3 ghost shrimp, 5 rosy red minnows, 3 glow light tetras, 3 glass catfish and 1 female betta. I was wondering if swordtails could be added to this tank or if there would be compatibility issues. I'd also like to add my 2 albino and 2 emerald cory catfish that I currently keep in another tank.
2006-12-20 06:27:32 · 4 answers · asked by Fierce Lioness 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Yep that would be just fine, swordtails are peaceful community fish. So, provided you have enough room (swordtails are pretty big as far as livebearers go and should each be alloted 5-6 gallons), go for it.
As always, keep an eye on them in case of aggression, disease, etc, but I don't foresee any problems.
Cories should be fine, too. I don't know how big your tank is; that's a lot of fish, just make sure you have enough room for them all. Probably a 20 gallon long, or a 30 gal would be fine. You could also increase the number of glowlight tetras - they are schoolers and will be happier in groups of 5+. They stick together so it won't chance the dynamics of the tank.
2006-12-20 06:37:33 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Both the swordtails and the cory cats should be compatible with these other fish.
Swordtails sometimes like to nibble on plants, and nip fins. This may pose some problem for the female betta and catfish, as they are a little too slow to avoid it, or fight back, but most swordfish don't nip very much, and it should not be a major issue. Just keep an eye on the fins for signs of damage, and if so... well, you've got that other tank, right?
The cory cats will most definitely be compatibile with all these fish and with the swordtails, so whatever happens, that other tank will be a fine backup plan.
Size is also a question. You have not mentioned how large your tank is, so I have no way of telling whether or not there is enough room for them all.
2006-12-20 17:03:25 · answer #2 · answered by ye_river_xiv 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Swords do go well in an comunity tank, They are live bears. Their babies will be eaten and add extra protien. You can separate the female and save her babies but you will need another tank or jar to raise the babies until they are old enough to survive.
I don't know about the red minnows but the others are egg layers or egg scatterers. Which also can be bred but it requires special stuff, grasses, plants so that the eggs can't be eaten by the other fish. Eggs fall through the grasses where they are safe but watch for the young to hatch. They should be ok in the tank as long as the grasses and plants stay in place.
Breeding fish is a fun project but if not kept in check you will find yourself with several tanks.
Have fun. I did for many years.
2006-12-20 14:46:17 · answer #3 · answered by bluebonnetgranny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes they can
2006-12-20 14:29:03 · answer #4 · answered by None N 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋