Red Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri)

If you’re looking for an all-red fish that is unique and easy to keep, Red Swordtails will make a great addition to your freshwater aquarium. Their distinguishing feature, a long straight caudal appendage “swordtail” present in males, adds immediate visual impact.

In their natural environment, Swordtails make their homes in rapidly flowing streams and rivers. Because of their active nature, we recommend a tank size of twenty gallons or more with a secured cover.

This stock is an easy choice for both beginners and accomplished owners. With a peaceful temperament, Red Swordtails grow to four inches and 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.

The Red Swordtail is a livebearing fish. If breeding, use a spawning box or provide dense floating cover to protect the fry from adults.

Omnivores, Red Swordtails like vegetated freshwater environments. They feed on commercially prepared flaked foods and algae as well as freeze dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.

Approximate purchase size: 1” to 2”

Care details

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