Swordtail Fish (Xiphophorus hellerii)

The swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a fish species that has different colors, with males being easily identified by their signature “sword” as a tail.

In short, it’s an extremely resistant fish that can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. About the reproduction, the fry already swim freely in the aquarium. In addition, like guppies, they are prolific and a female will give birth once every 28 days.

Thus, it’s recommended that this species be kept in groups of 1 male for every 3 females. However, they will feed on most foods available on the pet stores, such as flakes, frozen, lyophilized and live foods.

Just as your diet may vary with the inclusion of peanut beetle larvae and brine shrimp.

Technical Details

Name: Swordtail Fish, Green Swordtail, Red Swordtail;

Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii (Heckel, 1848);

Family: Poeciliidae;

Species Origin: North and Central America (Nantra river, Veracruz in Mexico to the northwest of Honduras;

Length: Up to 14 cm;

Life Span: 3-5 years or more;

Care Level: Easy. Good for beginners in freshwater fishkeeping;

Water Parameters

pH: Maintain the pH of the water between 7.0 – 8.0;

Water Hardness: Between 9° – 19 °dH;

Temperature: Must be kept between 22°C – 28°C;

Care

Food

Omnivorous. Above all, they accept different food types, including flakes and live foods.

Temperament / Behavior

They are active fish. In addition, the male usually chases the female all the time. Consider the idea of ​​having 3 females for 1 male inside the tank.

Compatibility

Do not add tropical fish large enough to eat them. They usually get along better with fish of the same size.

Breeding / Mating

Easy. Ideally, the tank should be well planted, as soon as the fry are born, they are hidden in the middle of the leaves, as they can be eaten by the parents.

It is recommended that they stay in separate tanks or in a maternity inside the main tank.

Fish Tank Size

The tank needs to be at least 40 liters for a small group of this species. However, the tank must be planted and with many hiding places. In addition, good lighting and cover in the aquarium are recommended, as they are jumping fish.

References

FishLore. Aquarium Fish Information Available at: https://www.fishlore.com/freshwaterfish.htm. Accessed on April 3. 2019.

Wischnath, L., 1993. Atlas of livebearers of the world. T.F.H. Publications, Inc., United States of America. 336 p. (Ref. 26130)