Can Northern Mountain Swordtail and Ornate Bichir Live Together?

Northern Mountain Swordtail is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Ornate Bichir is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Ornate Bichir may occasionally assert dominance over Northern Mountain Swordtail.

In terms of spatial distribution, Northern Mountain Swordtail prefers the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones, whereas Ornate Bichir occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Ornate Bichir is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Northern Mountain Swordtail is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

There is no temperature overlap between Northern Mountain Swordtail (20–25°C) and Ornate Bichir (26–30°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Northern Mountain Swordtail and Ornate Bichir together, plan for an aquarium of at least 680 litres with a minimum length of 180 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Northern Mountain Swordtail prefers High (River/Stream) flow while Ornate Bichir needs Low (Still Water) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Northern Mountain Swordtail and Ornate Bichir are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.