Red Lyretail Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri)

Red Lyretail Swordtails are another unique and uncommon offering from LiveAquaria®. This beautiful fish with red body and fins will add a graceful addition to your freshwater aquarium. In addition to the distinctive swordlike extension at the lower part of its tail in males, both males and females have u-shaped tail fins resembling the musical instrument for which they are named.

In their natural environment, Swordtails make their homes in rapidly flowing streams and rivers so they will enjoy a well-planted environment with plenty of room for swimming. Because of their active nature, we recommend a tank with a secured cover.

This stock is an easy choice for both beginners and accomplished aquarists and Swordtails are some of the most widely kept and popular community fish. With a peaceful temperament, Red Lyretail Swordtail are easy to keep with other passive stock. However, male Swordtails can get territorial and exhibit some aggression towards one another, so care should be taken to monitor or separate them.

Red Lyretail Swordtail are live-bearing fish. If breeding, use a spawning box or provide dense floating cover to protect the fry from adults.

As omnivores, Red Lyretail Swordtails feed on commercially prepared flaked foods and algae as well as freeze dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.

Approximate purchase size: 1-1/2” to 2”

Care details

• Temperature: 64 - 82° F
• dKH: 12 - 30
• Color: Red
• Family: Poeciliidae
• Diet: Omnivore