How many swordtails in a 20g?

[Keedee]

I want to breed swordtails and just got a 20 gallon tank cycled. How many could I put in there without being overstocked? So far there is just a single red-cherry shrimp in there.
Thanks!

 

[ScaryFatKidGT]

No body answered this, id say 12? idk whats ur filtration and water change scheduled? And plants?

 

[Scottyhorse]

Sword tails, especially males, get pretty large. They can push 4" and sometimes even go over that. Being livebearers, they are also extremely messy. Mine are also really active.

I would say keep a trip (one male, two females) in there, maybe three females and one male.

 

[BBradbury]

Swordtails

I want to breed swordtails and just got a 20 gallon tank cycled. How many could I put in there without being overstocked? So far there is just a single red-cherry shrimp in there.
Thanks!

Hello Kee...

A 20 gallon tank is too small for Swordtails. Adults are roughly 4 inches. They need lots of swimming area and a lot of floating plants. Males will be come aggressive in cramped spaces. If you're going to have success breeding this livebearer, I'd suggest a tank around 40 gallons and large, weekly water changes.

B

 

[Keedee]

Okay, thanks. I guess I'll have to look into getting a bigger tank!