It’s wonderful to see your fish in the tank get along with each other. Swordtails are one of those fish that get along with other fish in the tank. But how many fish to keep together is a question many hobbyists have when deciding the optimal number of fish for their aquarium. Some fish love to be in a group, and some are loners. So, Do swordtails need to be in a group?
Yes, Swordtails prefer being in groups. Swordtails are not a schooling species, neither do they shoal. However, we can see swordtails in a group. Swordtails are peaceful, amicable fish, meaning that they prefer being with other swordtails or any other peaceful fish more than anything else. Swordtails need a good company in the fish tank to live a healthy, stress-free life.
Do swordtails need to be in a group? Is it healthy for them? Do they get lonely? Swordtails are usually found swimming with other swordtail fish, and this is because they find strength and safety in numbers.
This article will explore some of the benefits of keeping swordtail fish in groups – as well as some tips on how to keep your little friends happy!
Do Swordtails Live In Groups?
Yes, being amicable active swimmers, swordtails prefer living in groups. So you can find your swordtail hanging out with a variety of fish in a group most of the time.
Swordtails like to be in groups of other fish. They are not like schooling or shoaling fish, but they enjoy being with others similar to them. If you give your swordtail the right friends, then it will be happier and more active.
There are many reasons why they live in groups. However, the main reason is their peaceful and interactive temperament. In groups, they get to interact with many different kinds of creatures from other species, which keeps them seemingly active.
Swordtails are confirmed to love being in groups of 3-5. It is best to have 3 males and 5 females in a tank environment, but this pack can also be expanded by including platies (another close species).
Why Should You Keep Swordtails In A Group?
Swordtail fish, in particular, love being kept as a group.
Whereas many people might think you can keep one swordtail by itself, dont take the chance! Some fish may not form schools, but they still like to have company for friends in their 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, making them highly inactive and shy. Fish need to interact with other members of the tank to thrive. Otherwise, they can become stressed and unhealthy as a result of being raised alone.
Breeding
Swordtails are usually efficient breeders, which is why it’s not a good idea to keep them alone. However, if you want to see small swordtails in the tank, don’t keep them separated.
To Avoid Loneliness
Swordtails do best when they live in groups of their own kind. They suffer loneliness and stress when they don’t, which can lead to physical health decline.
Keep your swordtails with fish that have a similar temperament. For example, keeping swordtails with loners who are not interactive or keeping them with larger fish will hamper them.
Stress Relief
If a fish, like the swordtails, enjoy being in groups, it is best to keep them in a community tank rather than letting them be alone.
People need to understand that social animals live happier lives when surrounded by friends and environments, which may make them more stressed or depressed when they are alone in an aquarium.
For Avoiding Health Issues
Swordtails like to be in communities that will help their physical and mental wellness–especially when they lack stimulation.
Keeping them in a group will help you overcome most health problems such as lethargy and low appetite. Likewise, your swordtail (as long as it has been set up for success) will be happy and healthy within a group of other compatible swordtails.
What Are The Benefits Of Keeping Swordtailed Fish In Groups?
Swordtail fish, in particular, love being kept in groups because it fosters their natural sociable nature. This article goes over some reasons why you should keep your little friends in groups.
Keep them as a group, and they will be happy, healthy, and active!
In addition to the benefits listed above, you can tell who is the king of the tank with swordtail fish because there are not always alpha personalities displayed within these small communities. Suppose one doesn’t display dominance, then another will.
If you consider getting some new fish, then your best bet would be to furnish their tank with as many compatible friends as possible. And if they enjoy being together, it may seem like this is easier than it actually is.
It would help if you always tried to keep your swordtails in groups because they need the company of other compatible fish. Otherwise, a single swordtail may suffer from loneliness and stress, leading to physical health decline.
How Many Swordtails Should You Keep In A Group?
The number of swordtails you keep in a tank depends on the size of your tank. The minimum tank size for one adult swordtail fish should be at least 15-gallons.
If you want to have only swordtails in a tank, there should be 1 male for every 3 females. This is because when more than two male swordtails are in the tank with fewer females, they might fight each other, and the females might become mentally unstable during the breeding season.
If you are keeping your swordtail in a community tank, make sure it is big. In this case, the swordtail will have lots of space to swim. If there are other fish, then a single male or female can live easily.
We can always see swordtails in groups of four or five. Therefore, you should set up your group of fish, so there are 4-5 in each group. You can also keep males and females together, but you must do it with other species that live well together. If you put multiple males or females into a tank, make sure they have enough tank space.
Can Swordtails Live Alone?
No, swordtails are active and interactive fish that need the company of other compatible fish. They will suffer from loneliness and stress, leading to physical health decline if they are all alone in an aquarium.
Best Tank Mates For Your Swordtail Fish
Swordtails are peaceful and are compatible with other freshwater fish. However, 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
Swordtails do well in groups, and it’s just as important for their health. It might be easier than you think to keep your swordtail happy by keeping them with other fish of the same species, but there is more to consider when making this decision.
You should also take into consideration what kind of tank size you have available if you plan on getting a group together, how many can fit comfortably inside that space, what kinds of plants or decorations they will need for hiding spots, so they don’t feel threatened, etc.
