Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
- Beginner
- Peaceful
- 12 cm adult
- Freshwater
Knowledge-base entry — ask in store about availability.
A streamlined livebearer whose males carry the namesake sword — a dramatic tail extension. Strong swimmers that appreciate room.
- Min tank size
- 100 L
- Temperature
- 21–27 °C
- pH
- 7–8.2
- Hardness
- 10–25 dGH
- Group size
- 3+ (ideally 5)
- Diet
- Omnivore — flakes, pellets, vegetable matter
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
- Adult size
- 12 cm
🌿 Safe with live plants.
Gets along with
Keep away from
No species listed yet.
Breeding difficulty: Easy
Livebearer; males spar but rarely injure each other. Keep one male or four-plus to spread chasing.
Give a longer tank with current and a tight lid (they jump). Otherwise as easy as livebearers come; hard water and varied food keep them glowing.