Can Electric Yellow Lab live with Swordtail?
High risk due to water mismatch, aggression, or predation.
Why Electric Yellow Lab and Swordtail Don't Make an Easy Pair
The temperament mismatch (semi-aggressive + semi-aggressive) makes this a high-risk pairing. Injuries, stress, and hiding behavior are likely.
Electric Yellow Lab
Labidochromis caeruleus
| Adult Size: | 4.0" |
| Temperament: | semi-aggressive |
| Min Tank: | 30 gal |
| Temperature: | 75-82°F |
| pH Range: | 7.8-8.6 |
Swordtail
Xiphophorus helleri
| Adult Size: | 5.0" |
| Temperament: | semi-aggressive |
| Min Tank: | 20 gal |
| Temperature: | 72-78°F |
| pH Range: | 7.0-8.0 |
Water Parameter Overlap
| Parameter | Electric Yellow Lab | Swordtail | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75-82°F | 72-78°F | 3°F ✓ |
| pH | 7.8-8.6 | 7.0-8.0 | 0.2 ✓ |
Compatibility Breakdown
Temperament Match: semi-aggressive + semi-aggressive. Semi-aggressive → watch territory and feeding.
Score: 44.0/100 (GOOD ≥80, CAUTION ≥50, RISKY <50).
🔧 Tank Setup Requirements (for Both)
- Minimum tank: 30 gallons — sized for the larger fish in the pair.
- Temperature: keep it between 75°F and 78°F.
- pH: maintain 7.8 – 8.0.
- Hiding spots: essential for Electric Yellow Lab — caves, plants, or driftwood to retreat when feeling stressed.
- Water changes: 25% weekly minimum. Two species mean double the bioload.
🔧 Tank Stocking Calculator
Enter tank size to calculate safe stocking levels:
Recommended Equipment
Based on tank size 30+ gallons:
Small pellet food for African cichlids
Explore Related Checks
See what else works with these fish:
⚠️ Common Reasons This Pairing Fails in Practice
- Narrow temperature margin: Only 3°F of overlap means a stuck heater or seasonal temperature swing can push one species out of its comfort zone.
- Double semi-aggressive: Two territorial species in the same tank creates competition for prime real estate. Provide distinct territories or expect fin-nipping and chasing.
- Overcrowding: Even compatible species fail in tanks that are too small. Double the species means double the bioload — 25% weekly water changes are the minimum.
- Inadequate acclimation: Adding both species on the same day without quarantine is a common mistake. Always drip-acclimate new arrivals and quarantine for 2–4 weeks.
Tools & Resources
Accuracy note: This tool uses expert rules + FishBase.org data. Individual fish behavior varies — a semi-aggressive individual Electric Yellow Lab may act differently from its species average. Always observe, quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks, and avoid overcrowding. If a pairing says CAUTION, start with a smaller group and a lid.