Tricolor Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri)

Tricolor Swordtails make a great addition to your freshwater aquarium. An active fish, they will add immediate visual interest to your water environment. Bred to contain the same colors as Japanese Koi pond fish, Tricolor Swordtails are white, red, and black. Bred in many color combinations, ours have primarily white bodies with areas of black and orange. With the additional interest of the long straight caudal appendage “swordtail” present in males, this specimen is a striking addition to your freshwater tank.

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

Tricolor Swordtails are omnivores who like vegetated environments and are at home in freshwater environments. They feed on commercially prepared flaked foods and algae as well as freeze dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.

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

Care details

• Temperature: 64 - 82° F
• dKH: 12 - 30
• Color: White, Black and Orange
• Family: Poeciliidae
• Diet: Omnivore