Think Fish - The Tropical Fish Keeping Resource

Fish Database: Swordtail (Male) - Xiphophorus hellerii

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 4/5
Sociability rating: 8/10
Area of tank: Middle, top
Aquarium water conditions: 7-8.5, s,m,h,vh
Temperature: 22 - 28C
Feeding: Flake, frozen, live foods
Minimum tank size: 75cm
Min / Max number in tank:

Fish fact file

Family: Poeciliidae (Poeciliids)
Synonyms: Mollienisia helleri, Poecilia helleri, Xiphophorus guentheri, X. guntheri, X. hellerii guentheri, X. jalapae, X. brevis, X. strigatus, X. ranchovii
Other common names: Green Swordtail, Red Swordtail
Origin: North and Central America
Natural habitat: Heavily vegetated flowing waters, streams, rivers, pools, springs
Size: 12cm
Behavior: Peaceful, territorial, males will squabble
Breeding: Livebearer, females are fertilized internally
Natural water conditions: pH 7-8, soft to hard, freshwater and brackish
Sexing: Males are smaller, slender and have a pointed anal fin. Only males develop the 'sword' extension to the caudal fin

Fish code No.1904

Recently Viewed fish: Swordtail

There are many colour morphs of the Swordtail available and it is a deservedly popular aquarium fish. Swordtails are active, colourful, hardy, and in most cases good-natured making them an ideal fish for beginners or community aquariums. Some swordtails are starting to show the telltale signs of intensive breeding and a drop in natural immunity. To counter this, a little aquarium salt added to the water will increase the fish's disease resistance. Male swordtails will squabble and whereas two or three in a tank will result in one becoming an aggressive bully, if four or more are kept together the problem does not occur. It is quite common for young females to appear to turn into males as they age, in some cases this is a true sex reversal although in most it is simply a male that has not yet matured. Provide a few hiding spots amongst plants and mix with other similar sized fish.

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