Shrimpy

How would you rate swordtalis as being a member of a community based on behavior, eating etc. pleaz reply

Sabi

Well i found them a bit on the aggressive side. But not towards they own kind or much bigger fish for that matter, they may go for the timid kind in my opinion.

Richard

From observing my live-bearer tank ( Swordtails, Mollies and Platties), and based on stuff I've read, I've only ever noticed aggressive behavior if there are more males than females in any of those three species.. on occasion I've also noticed aggressive behavior among females, and the aggressor was usually one that was pregnant.. I've also seen male live-bearers act aggressive towards females in a way that was beyond the normal mating ritual, which can sometimes be rough to the point of females getting hurt.. but I've never seen any one of the live-bearer species I have act in a threatening manner to the others.. I have heard of live-bearers ( Swordtails/Mollies/Platties etc.) nipping at the fins of Bettas if they're sharing the same tank, so Swordtails and Bettas mightn't be the best tankmates.

You can't go wrong with a mix of other livebearers, as well as Loaches, Plecos and catfish( for bottom cleaning duties).

f_i_e_a

From my experience with Swordtails, I'd say they are pretty good community fish. A lot of people say that if you're going to have a male Swordtail, also have atleast 4 females because the male will go after the females and if there aren't enough, the aggression will just be too much. They aren't too picky about eating, but I like to give mine brine shrimp or blood worms once in a while, I think it helps bring their color out a bit more. I haven't had any problems with mine being fin-nippers, but I've never kept mine with a betta ( I kind of see bettas as a one ish per tank kinda species). I have heard people say that they aren't afraid of bigger fish, but I keep mine with fish about the same size or smaller so I wouldn't really know. All in all, I think swordtails are a great fish, they really do brighten up a tank.