Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
Photos © Sean Evans
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| Common name: | Swordtail |
| Scientific name: | Xiphophorus helleri, though many aquarium varieties are cultivated strains and
may be hybrids of different Xiphophorus species. |
| Synonyms: | (none) |
| 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: | 21-26oC (70-79oF) |
| 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: | A livebearer. 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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