âī¸ Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
The Swordtail is a classic livebearer named for the distinctive elongated lower tail fin of males that resembles a sword. Available in many color varieties, swordtails are hardy, active, and make excellent community fish. They're closely related to platies and can even hybridize with them.
đ Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Xiphophorus hellerii |
|---|---|
| Adult Size | 4-5 inches (10-12.5 cm) |
| Minimum Tank | 20 gallons (75 liters) |
| Temperament | Peaceful, active |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Origin | Central America, Mexico |
đ Popular Varieties
- Red Velvet - Deep red coloration
- Pineapple - Yellow/orange
- Marigold - Orange with black edges
- Tuxedo - Two-tone pattern
- Koi - Multi-colored pattern
- Hi-Fin/Lyretail - Extended finnage
â ī¸ Important Considerations
- Males can be aggressive - Toward other males
- Active jumpers - Secure lid needed
- Prolific breeders - Like all livebearers
- Prefer hard water - Like other livebearers
- Larger than platies - Need more space
đ Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum
- Swimming space: Active swimmers need room
- Plants: Provide cover for fry
- Lid: Secure - they jump!
Water Parameters
| Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.0-8.4 |
| Hardness | 12-30 dGH |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | <40 ppm |
đŊī¸ Diet & Feeding
Omnivores with herbivorous tendencies.
- Quality flakes - Staple
- Spirulina flakes - Important for health
- Blanched vegetables - Zucchini, peas
- Frozen foods - Occasional variety
- Algae - Will graze naturally
Feed 2-3 times daily. Include vegetable matter regularly.
đ Compatibility
Good Tankmates
- Other livebearers (guppies, platies, mollies)
- Corydoras
- Larger tetras
- Rainbowfish
- Peaceful barbs
- Bristlenose plecos
Avoid
- Fin nippers - Will damage sword
- Aggressive cichlids
- Slow-moving long-finned fish - May chase
âī¸âī¸ Sex & Breeding
- Males: Have the distinctive "sword" extension
- Females: No sword, larger body
- Sex changes: Rarely, females can develop male traits
- Ratio: Keep 2-3 females per male
- Livebearers: Give birth to 20-100 fry
đĄ Tips for Success
- Keep one male or multiple males (not 2)
- Maintain 2-3 females per male
- Secure the lid - they jump
- Include vegetable matter in diet
- Provide swimming space
đ Summary
Swordtails are classic beginner fish that combine beauty with hardiness. The distinctive sword of males makes them stand out in any tank. Keep them in harder water with plenty of space and vegetable matter in their diet, and these active livebearers will thrive for years.