Swordtail

About

The swordtail is a lively, robust livebearer from Central America, named for the elongated lower tail lobe (the 'sword') carried by mature males. Wild fish are green-flanked with a red lateral stripe, while aquarium strains offer red, orange, black, pineapple and lyretail forms. Larger and more energetic than platies, swordtails are strong swimmers and accomplished jumpers, so a long, well-covered tank is essential. Males can be scrappy with one another, so keep a single male or a female-dominant group to spread aggression.

Care

Provide a long, covered 90 cm+ tank with hard, neutral-to-alkaline water 22-28°C. Keep one male or several females per male; strong swimmers and jumpers.

Diet

Omnivore; varied flake/pellet with vegetable matter plus live/frozen protein.

Sources

• Seriously Fish — Xiphophorus hellerii
• Aquarium Co-Op — Swordtail Care