Swordtail fish is a popular freshwater species characterized by a long sword-like tail, vibrant colors, and peaceful temperament. Swordtails are easy to maintain, even a small tank, and are fun to watch. However, you can sometimes notice your swordtail fish chasing each other in the tank. Although it may seem playful, it can be dangerous. So, why do swordtail fish chase each other?
Swordtail fish are peaceful at most times, but they start to show violent behaviors if they become aggressive. For example, swordtails chase each other in the tank to establish dominance when in a fight or an attempt to mate.
Sometimes the chasing phenomenon occurs due to changes in hormone levels of swordtail’s bodies. It is more common among male swordtail fish as they are territorial and high desires to mate. However, you can also the activity among female swordtail fish when they are stressed or bullied.
This blog post will discuss why swordtail fish chase each other and how we can stop them to prevent any possible injury.
Male Swordtails Chasing Other Males
A male swordfish will chase around other male swordtails in the tank. To get the female, they would hunt and fight other guys in the tank.
When two male swordtails chase each other, it’s usually to establish dominance and defend the territory from intruders. However, male fish are sometimes seen chasing each other, even if your tank does not contain any female fish. This usually occurs when the alpha or more muscular male tries to peck the weaker fish out of order.
Male Swordtail Chasing Female Swordtail
The mating ritual, which involves attention-seeking, is the most apparent reason why swordtail fish chase each other.
A male swordfish will travel around hunting ladies to find a mate.
The persistent pursuing and harassment, on the other hand, might be stressful for female fish. If the male-to-female ratio is not maintained, female fish may become fatigued. As a result, they may hide among the plants, other tank decorations, or at the bottom of the tank.
Do Female Swordtails Portray Chasing Behavior?
Female swordtails are usually peaceful and do not show aggression as male swordtails do. However, you may find your female swordtail fish chasing other swordtails or even other fish in the tank.
Female swordtails rarely chase the males around. If they do it, it could be for mating.
Nonetheless, they may also chase male swordtails or other fish when they are stressed and vulnerable due to the bullies or pregnant.
You should be careful enough to maintain the correct male to female ratio, i.e., one male to 3 females, if you want to keep the females safe and the bully male swordtails isolated.
Why Do Swordtail Fish Chase Each Other?
Now that we know that swordtail fish do chase each other in the tank, let’s look at some reasons in detail below:
Mating And Courtship
Swordtail fish begin chasing each other when they are ready to mate. The breeding dance is named because it indicates that this particular male wishes to reproduce with a female. She will swim away if she does not want to be pursued or if his advances are not accepted, and he will finally give up.
To Demonstrate Power
When a new male in the tank tries to assert dominance, he will chase all of the other fish out of the tank. A female may join him if she believes he possesses the qualities necessary to defend her and their children.
Incompatible Personality
An incompatible personality is one of the most typical reasons a swordtail fish starts chasing another. This suggests that two people who are not compatible cannot live together and prefer to live alone.
The incompatibility of personalities is a common reason why swordtail fish chase each other. If they are too frightened to approach each other, they may begin chasing to demonstrate dominance.
The Battle for Food
Because swordtail fish are pretty gregarious, they may start chasing each other if there isn’t enough food in the tank for everyone. They may even try to entice another fish away from their preferred plant or decoration, where they may get more nourishment without exerting too much effort.
Swordtail fish are omnivores, meaning they will consume anything in their aquarium, even the food you feed them. However, if all swordtails utilize the same feeding site too regularly, a strong male can chase weaker fishes away so that he can eat first.
Territorial Nature
If you have one male swordtail fish in the tank, he will chase away any other males by chasing anything that moves. If they don’t like each other, our desire to mate with the same male is genuine for females.
Stress Due To Bad Water Parameters
Swordtail fish are susceptible to water quality and will suffer if ammonia or nitrite levels are high.
This can make them feel anxious, causing them to chase each other around the tank. However, they are not attempting to fight but rather to flee the dangerous water conditions.
Overcrowding
Because swordtail fish are so gregarious, they feel upset when their aquarium becomes overcrowded, and they begin chasing one other.
Playing
Chasing doesn’t have to be detrimental all of the time. If maintained together from an early age, swordtail fish can also play with each other. They might, for example, pursue each other for entertainment or nip on the fins of their tank mates for extra stimulation during feeding time. This is a regular occurrence in aquariums with many swordtail fish.
Thus, these may be some reasons why swordtail fish can unveil their aggressive sides and start chasing and fighting each other in the tank.
How Can Swordtail Fish Stop Chasing Each Other?
When your tank becomes overcrowded, you should consider purchasing another to avoid the entire town from fighting all day.
Only keep females together in the tank if there are incompatible personalities or dominant males, so they don’t have to battle for territory.
If they’re chasing each other for food, ensure the tank is well-balanced with plenty of greenery and hiding spots, so no one is singled out all day.
To deter swordtail fish from chasing each other, there are a few things you may do:
- First, to avoid pursuing and bullying, keep a female-to-male ratio of 3:1.
- Second, separate the perpetrator and victim with a tank divider.
- Third, reduce the amount of time they see one other until they no longer chase each other.
- Finally, increase the number of live plants or hiding spots so that they both feel more at peace.
- As a mediator, add a third swordtail fish to the tank. If they’re compatible enough, they’ll form a relationship and pursue the aggressor.
In this way, you can prevent the chasing behavior of swordtail fish.
FAQs
Are Swordtails Aggressive?
Swordtail fish are not naturally aggressive. Instead, they’re calm, social fish that make excellent additions to community aquariums.
Swordtail fish, on the other hand, can be hostile and territorial at times. They are voracious feeders. During the mating ritual, male swordtails chase female swordtails, and they can be somewhat territorial about their territory.
Are Swordtail Fish Fin Nippers?
During fighting or mating, swordtails may try to harm the fins of other fish as a form of hostility.
They try to nip other swordtails’ fins and tails, as well as any other tank mate’s fins and tails. However, it is not a significant change. However, you must pay special care to any fish with wounded fins or seats, as this could lead to infection.
Can Swordtail Fish Kill Each Other?
They won’t kill each other, but their fins and tails will be damaged, making it difficult for them to swim and feed.
Can Swordtail Fish Live With Other Fish?
Yes, they may coexist with other fish as long as they are not aggressive or territorial. They’ll do alright in communal tanks, although they may become stressed if there’s too much competition for food.
Can Two Male Swordtail Fish Live Together?
Yes, however, you should not keep two male swordtails together since they may struggle for dominance. Males and female swordtail fish can live together as long as the female swordtail fish has enough hiding places and plants to protect her.
Conclusion
To summarize, swordtail fish chase each other for a variety of reasons. They do this in courtship and mating to display dominance because their personalities are incompatible, for food or territory, when the water parameter is terrible, or just for fun.
You can separate your swordtails into distinct tanks to prevent them from pursuing each other. You can also use plants to provide a hiding place. Try adding another female if you have more than one male. If it doesn’t work, give them another fish to chase. You may also add some pebbles or rocks to the tank to give them something to do other than chase each other around.
I hope you found this helpful article. Feel free to comment below if you have any queries.
Happy Fishkeeping!