Can Swordtail and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) Live Together?
Keeping Swordtail and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 110 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Swordtail and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)?
Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.
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Behaviour & Temperament
Swordtail is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) may occasionally assert dominance over Swordtail.
Swordtail and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) both frequent the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.
Worth noting: Swordtail is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Swordtail and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations. Keep fin nippers in larger groups to distribute nipping behaviour among conspecifics rather than tank mates.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.
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 12–25 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
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Tank Setup
To house Swordtail and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 90 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.
Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.
Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Swordtail and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline).
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Swordtail and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) live together?
They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 110 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
What size tank do Swordtail and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) need?
A minimum of 110 litres (tank length at least 90 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.
What water temperature is best for Swordtail and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) together?
Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Swordtail or Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) aggressive?
Swordtail is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Swordtail and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) need?
Both species overlap in the 7–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
Will Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) nip Swordtail's fins?
Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) is a known fin nipper. If Swordtail has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.
How do I manage Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)'s territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.
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