Are swordtails viable with JD?

[Wharf]

So just wanted to know about the viability of a group of schooling Green Swordtails dithers if I added a 4inch plus JD. Are Swordtails to JD's what Cyprichromis are to Gibberosa/Frontosa? I know they are found in the same natural habitat...and I have read that people have successfully kept Sailfin Mollies with them, but I just wanted to know the likely viability of these two species together. My stocking so far is 8 small Firemouths and a single male 7-8 inch Vieja Melanura in my 180gallon.

I want the Swordtails as dithers. I understand the personality of the JD makes or breaks the viability with the other tank mates; however, I did want to find out if people keep them as dithers for JD's or they are just very expensive food. Another, idea besides the Jack is adding a small group of juvenile Nics to grow out and pair.

Oh and Merry Christmas MFK!

 

[tlindsey]

So just wanted to know about the viability of a group of schooling Green Swordtails dithers if I added a 4inch plus JD. Are Swordtails to JD's what Cyprichromis are to Gibberosa/Frontosa? I know they are found in the same natural habitat...and I have read that people have successfully kept Sailfin Mollies with them, but I just wanted to know the likely viability of these two species together. My stocking so far is 8 small Firemouths and a single male 7-8 inch Vieja Melanura in my 180gallon.

I want the Swordtails as dithers. I understand the personality of the JD makes or breaks the viability with the other tank mates; however, I did want to find out if people keep them as dithers for JD's or they are just very expensive food. Another, idea besides the Jack is adding a small group of juvenile Nics to grow out and pair.

Oh and Merry Christmas MFK!

Yes a few members have them as dithers with their JD's and other CA species.

 

[dr exum]

You’ve inspired me! I have a group of these in a spare 45g...

 

[duanes]

In nature they share habitat with live bearers like sail fin mollies (so if the swordtails are large enough, and fast enough).
Some of the mollies reach 7"
The space you provide will be the key, in the video below from JD habitat, note the amount of "clean getaway" area,
Eden2

 

[Wharf]

Nice Duane that is pretty kick A**! You filmed that scuba diving?

 

[duanes]

Nice Duane that is pretty kick A**! You filmed that scuba diving?

Snorkelinng in the Cenotes along the Riviera Maya on the caribbean coast of Mexico.
Below....Another video of a smaller Cenote.
In the couple posts above the JDs are the dominant cichlid (practically the only cichlid, in that large Cenote).
But.....Note in the video below,, how the presence of the other cichlid species in a cenote (Mayaheros uropthalmus) seems to restrict the robustness of the population of JDs there, and notice how torn up the fins are.

027 zps4b102ffd

 

[tiger15]

In nature they share habitat with live bearers like sail fin mollies (so if the swordtails are large enough, and fast enough).
Some of the mollies reach 7"
The space you provide will be the key, in the video below from JD habitat, note the amount of "clean getaway" area,
Eden2

You might have witnessed the largest species of mollies which are found in Yucatán peninsular. The largest swordtail is Mayae found in Honduras. These large wild livebearers are compatible with JD. But domesticated swordtail tend to be small and will likely become food for JD.