Swordtail

Common name Swordtail Picture of female Swordtail
Picture of a pair of Swordtails
Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Xiphophorus helleri, though many aquarium varieties are cultivated strains and may be hybrids of different Xiphophorus species.

Synonyms

Size Males up to 4" (10cm), females slightly larger.

Origin Central America

Tank setup Planted community aquarium, with open swimming space.

Compatibility May be slightly aggressive, but generally compatible as a community fish. Keep 2-3 females per male to avoid constant harrasment of a single female.

Temperature 21-26^oC (70-79^oF)

Water chemistry Medium hard and slightly alkaline, pH 7.0-8.0
The addition of salt to the tank is not necessary.

Feeding Will eat most aquarium foods, use flake, granular and frozen or live foods to vary the diet.

Sexing Only males have the 'sword' and a gonopodium (modified anal fin). Females have a gravid patch.

Breeding The female is best removed to a separate tank to give birth. There may be 20-80 or more young, depending on the size of the female.

Comments A large number of colour varieties have been produced, and forms with an additional 'sword' on the upper tail fin.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Swordtail	Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Xiphophorus helleri, though many aquarium varieties are cultivated strains and may be hybrids of different Xiphophorus species.
Synonyms
Size	Males up to 4" (10cm), females slightly larger.
Origin	Central America
Tank setup	Planted community aquarium, with open swimming space.
Compatibility	May be slightly aggressive, but generally compatible as a community fish. Keep 2-3 females per male to avoid constant harrasment of a single female.
Temperature	21-26^oC (70-79^oF)
Water chemistry	Medium hard and slightly alkaline, pH 7.0-8.0 The addition of salt to the tank is not necessary.
Feeding	Will eat most aquarium foods, use flake, granular and frozen or live foods to vary the diet.
Sexing	Only males have the 'sword' and a gonopodium (modified anal fin). Females have a gravid patch.
Breeding	The female is best removed to a separate tank to give birth. There may be 20-80 or more young, depending on the size of the female.
Comments	A large number of colour varieties have been produced, and forms with an additional 'sword' on the upper tail fin.