Sword Tails Alone

[Bebobb]

The other day in my LFS I picked up one male German Gold Ram. When I was looking around I caought a glimpse of a male sword tail. I was wondering that if I got one male if he would be fine by himself. I know that they should be in groups of one male to two females, but I was wondering that if one male German Gold Ram is fine by himself that maybe a Sword tail would be. I have 2 neon tetras in this tank with one male Ram (I know, my sig says 6, but that is what I am planning; the other 4 dies hence I got them from Wal-Mart) It is a ten gallon and was wondering that IF I did have to have 2 females with one male that the Ram might eat the fry. Would the parents get agressive? I personally have no problem with that because he is my main focus at the moment. What other live bearers would you suggest for this tank? I don't want mollies due to them liking salty water. Would guppys be fine or would the Tetras nip their fins? If I upped the tetras to 5-6 wouuld I still be able to have a harem of live bearers? Any help will be greatly appriciated.

 

[OldMan47]

The usual advice of male to female ratio is based on not stressing the females through too much attention ftom the male. A male by himself will be fine. The ratio only comes into play when there are females present.

 

[Bebobb]

The usual advice of male to female ratio is based on not stressing the females through too much attention ftom the male. A male by himself will be fine. The ratio only comes into play when there are females present.

So would he be okay in my 10 gallon tank with a ram and maybe 5 neon tetras? I usually do a 35% water change every week.

 

[OldMan47]

As long as he has enough swimming room, he will be fine in that tank. A swordtail is a very fast and active swimmer so a nice open area to swim in is essential. He will be able to swim backwards almost as fast as many fish can swim forward.

 

[Bebobb]

The tank is 20"wide x 12" High x 10" wide. Will that be engough swimming space?

 

[OldMan47]

It would be just enough if you don't need to create separate areas in the tank for territorial cichlids. I do not keep rams so I don't really know if that is necessary with them but I know that breaking up visual space is needed for some cichlids. The kind of space breaking that is done would create many smaller swimming spaces instead.

 

[Bebobb]

Well, I only have one ram and this is not needed for just one ram, to my understanding, that is. Most of tha tank is open except for one little spot in the back right corner that is my cichlids turf. I think I will find another fish rather than this one for my tank. Personally, I think that it gets too big for what I have. I am thinking more of a male platy.

 

[The Gourami]

My female sword lives by herself very happily.