Red Swordtail – Xiphophorus Helleri

Common name: Red Swordtail

Scientific name: Xiphophorus Helleri

Average Adult Fish Size: 8cm / 3 Inches

Place of Origin: Malaysia, Singapore

Typical Tank setup: Because of its peaceful nature, the Red Swordtail is well suited for the community aquarium. However, the male Red Swordtail can demonstrate territorial aggression towards other male Swordtails so care should be taken when housing more than one male. Also, the Red Swordtail is an accomplished jumper, so be sure to provide a secure cover for the aquarium.

Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 20 gallon / 80 litre

Compatibility: Other community fish such as tetras would make a very colourful aquarium, as well as other live bearing tropical fish.

Temperature: 20-28 Deg C / 64-82 Deg F

Water chemistry:  pH 7.0-8.3

Feeding: The Red Swordtail is an omnivore that will eat commercially prepared  flaked foods and algae, as well as  freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.

Sexing: Males will be much brighter and colourful at quite an early stage in their lives so it should be quickly obvious to tell the difference between the male and female.

Breeding: The Red Swordtail is a live-bearing fish related to freshwater aquarium favourites including guppies, mollies, and platys. As such, a female Red Swordtail can give birth to as many as 80 fry at one time. A  spawning box is recommended, or if one is not available, provide dense  floating cover to protect the Swordtail fry from potential predation by the adults. Unless it is your intention to breed Red Swordtail, the male Swordtail fry should be separated once the sex of the fry is determined. The Red Swordtail can begin breeding as young as three months of age and can quickly overpopulate an aquarium.

Additional Information: The Red Swordtail boasts exuberant coloration reminiscent of tropical flowers in bloom. Vibrant shades of red and orange are energized by an iridescent sheen, making the stunning Red Swordtail a very desirable colour variety of the Xiphophorus Helleri Swordtail.