It is always appealing to see a large group of fish moving together, as one entity. Such an organized group of fish is called a school, and the group swimming with similar directions and speeds is called schooling. A fish school can lighten up your aquarium as it brings distinct color and activity. So, are swordtails schooling fish?
No, swordtail fish do not come under the list of schooling fish. They like to stay in groups but do not school or shoal. Swordtails are social fish and they enjoy being in a group of similar characteristics. They are peaceful explorers and like to interact with their tank mates. But this does not make them schooling fish. You might say that they are just amicable.
You can keep them with other tank mates too. However, there are a few things we should be careful about while choosing their tank mates.
Here is an entire article dedicated to helping you understand if swordtails are schooling fish or not.
Are Swordtails Schooling Fish?
No, swordtail fish are not schooling fish. When the same species of fish move around in a large group in a synchronized manner, it is called schooling. Swordtails are unlikely to be seen swimming together in groups, hence, they cannot be regarded as schooling fish.
Swordtails are active swimmers and like to be in groups, but that does not mean they are schooling fish. They like to explore and interact with other fish. Thus, you can always see them in groups they are compatible with. However, you will not see them portraying schooling behavior.
Swordtails enjoy good company with other swordtails and other similar species like the platies. But they do not form schools. They hang out with other fish mostly for mating purposes or when in search of food. But they do not move together in groups like other schooling fish.
Can Swordtails Live Alone?
Yes, swordtail fish can live alone, but it is not advised. They are social fish which makes them more active and interesting when in a group.
Swordtail fish are neither schooling fish, nor do they shoal, but they are very social. Hence, they should not be kept alone.
Few fish are quite unsocial and prefer being alone such as Betta. But Swordtails are the type of fish who might not form a school but will love to have someone to play and swim with.
Likewise, swordtails are amicable species that like to engage with their tank mates and explore the tank during the day. For this reason, it is best suited for swordtails to live in groups.
Do Swordtails Need To Be In Groups?
Swordtail fish are extremely active and love socializing. Hence, they do prefer being in groups. Social fish like swordtails tend to explore around the tank to interact with their tankmates. They prefer living with a group that exhibits the same temperament.
Swordtails flourish when they are in a group. Therefore, they should be kept in groups of at least 4-5.
They do not particularly form schools but love hanging out with other fish. Your swordtail will be more lively and stress-free when kept with other fish of the same species.
Swordtails are friendly and can live peacefully with most of the species. But, they should not be kept with larger fish species.
Large fish and most aggressive fish might prey upon or harass your swordtail. Hence, tank mates for your swordtail must be chosen carefully.
Why Should You Keep Swordtails In A Group?
To be honest, I will never suggest you keep these fish alone as they are not meant to be alone.
People often think that if your fish is not schooling or shoaling fish, they will be fine living alone.
But that is not the case. Some fish might not form a school or anything but they love having company in the tank.
Keeping your swordtail alone is a bad idea. Here are the reasons why you should keep them in a group:
To Keep Them Active And Happy
If swordtails are not in groups, they will lack social skills, which will make them timid and inactive.
Social fish need maximum interaction, otherwise, they become inactive and shy which can hamper their health.
They tend to interact with other members of the tank. Having no company can stress your swordtail which can degrade their activity and they can become unhealthy.
Breeding
Swordtails are efficient breeders which is why it is not a good idea to place them alone. If you want to see small swordtails in the tank, then do not try to keep them alone.
To Avoid Loneliness
Loneliness is real in your swordtails as well and this brings stress and deteriorates their mental health. While it is unlikely that they will die of loneliness, being in groups of a similar kind will make them more active and engaging.
Stress Relief
If social fish like the swordtails are kept alone, they can be stressed or depressed. To prevent any such conditions, they should be kept in a community tank where they can flourish.
People should understand that their fish do have feelings. Giving them friends in the tank is the best thing you can do for your fish.
They will be stressed and depressed when they are all alone in the new world of glasses and artificial decorations.
For Avoiding Health Issues
You may not think that the impact on mental health can affect the physical health of your fish. Being healthy means being physically and mentally healthy.
And without any activities or use of energy, your swordtail will become lethargic and soon lose its appetite.
Hence, this can invite various bacteria and parasites into their body as their immune system is too weak to defend themselves.
Keeping them in a group will actually help you overcome most of the health problems. Your swordtails will be happy and healthy with the presence of others.
How Many Swordtails Should There Be In A Tank?
Swordtails should be kept in the ratio of 1 male to 3 females; provided with enough space for each one of them.
Keeping more than two male swordtails is not preferred because they might be hostile towards one another.
Similarly, keeping one male and one female is also not the best option. Males tend to chase the female around to mate. If you have only one female in the tank with the male, your female is likely to get harassed.
Therefore, the right number of swordtails is in the ratio of 1:3. This creates a balance between male-male and male-female.
You can prevent your males from fighting and your females from being harassed if you keep your fish in the given ratio.
However, it is important to note that you have enough swimming areas for individuals. Generally, a 15-gallon tank is suitable for 1 swordtail.
Can Male Swordtails Live Together?
Yes, you can keep two or more male swordtails together. However, you have to take note that each has enough space to swim in. You should also keep some females in the tank where two or more males live together.
Male swordtails tend to be aggressive towards each other. They try to fight or attack one another over territory, and females.
Male swordtails chase each other out of aggression. They also chase female swordtails, mostly for spawning.
Therefore, if you are to keep two males together, make sure each of them has enough space to mark their territories. Similarly, it is best to introduce some females in the tank, as females can help keep the males peaceful.
Best Tank Mates For Swordtails
Swordtails like to hang out in groups. But, are they compatible with all kinds of fish? Choosing the best tank mates is very crucial for any community fish as they flourish among the same kind.
Swordtail fish are livebearers and are compatible with most other livebearers like Platies, Guppies, etc. Apart from these, the best tank mates for your swordtails include Tetras, Dwarf Guramis, Otocinclus, Crayfish, Danio, Snails, Shrimps, etc. All these fish are of peaceful temperament and swordtails can happily live with them.
Moreover, swordtails should not be kept with fish like Cichlid and Sharks that are large and aggressive. They can easily prey upon smaller fish like swordtails. Swordtails should be kept with fish that portray the same behavior to help them grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the FAQs people often ask. Hope this will help you as well.
Do Swordtails Shoal?
No. Although they are more likely to be found in groups, swordtails do not shoal. They are amicable fish who like to interact with their tank mates. They do not show shoaling behavior.
Can Swordtails Live With Other Species?
Swordtails are peaceful and are compatible with other freshwater fish. They are more likely to link with other livebearers like platies, guppies, mollies, angelfish, etc. they also perfectly fit with tetras, corydoras that are peaceful.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, swordtails are not schooling fish and they don’t particularly shoal either. However, they are social fish who prefer being in groups of similar kinds. Swordtails are amazing fish that can lighten up any tank with their unique appearance. They prefer being in groups but you do not have to form a school, which makes it easier to keep them as your pets. Thus, they are worth a chance. You will love having them in your aquarium.
