Swordtails As Dithers With Small CA Cichlids?

[jakeca77]

I have kept platys with cichlids as well. Platys usually stay smaller (unless you can find jumbo platys) in comparison to mollys or swordtails so they tend to get a little more beat up on. Also, platy fry are much smaller than molly fry so there's that.

I have been really wanting to go with some swordtails and give them a shot since I have never kept them before. I think it really comes down to personal preference and color choice for you but don't forget the platys won't get as big as mollys or swordtails.

 

[Coco4pr3z]

As others have said, I have to agree that one of the great benefits to having livebearers with the cichlids is that they provide live food every couple of weeks. The cichlids love to hunt the fry. I would save some of the molly fry in a different tank every once in awhile to grow out and then add them back after they achieved a safe size. This way I never had to buy any new ones.

I was going to ask this question. Well done