Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii · Poeciliidae
Also known as Green swordtail
Beginner
Active livebearer; males carry a long sword and can bicker in tight quarters.
In short: A swordtail needs at least 110 L (29 US gal), water at 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) and pH 7–8.4. It is semi-aggressive, best kept in groups of 3 or more, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- pH
- 7–8.4
- Adult size
- 12 cm (4.7 in)
- Group size
- 3+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- pH
- 7–8.4
- Hardness
- 10–25 dGH
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — flake, pellets, vegetable matter.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Mexico to Honduras
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Fast, weedy rivers and springs
- Natural conditions
- Hard, alkaline, well-oxygenated flowing water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 3 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- PlatyCorydorasBristlenose plecoRainbowfish
- Avoid
- BettaSlow long-finned fish
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Beginner
- Sexing
- Only males develop the sword and gonopodium.
- Notes
- Livebearer; one male to several females avoids harassment.
- Common ailments
- IchJumping out of open tanks
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