Swordtail

The Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a popular, peaceful freshwater aquarium fish known for the male's distinctive "sword" on its tail fin, native to Mexico and Central America. A livebearer, it gives birth to live young and thrives in planted tanks with good water quality, often kept in groups with more females than males to reduce stress.

Physical Characteristics

• Males: Have a long, sword-like extension on the lower part of their tail fin, which can be as long as their body. They often have green, red, and yellow stripes.

• Females: Lack the sword and have a more rounded, fan-shaped tail.

• Size: Can grow up to 5-6 inches (12-14 cm).

Aquarium Care

• Tank: Needs 10 gallons or more

• Water: Prefers stable, tropical water (68-80°F) and good filtration.

• Social: Peaceful community fish, but males can harass females; a ratio of 2-3 females per male is recommended.

• Diet: Accepts a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen/live foods like brine shrimp or daphnia.

Reproduction

• Livebearer: Gives birth to live, free-swimming fry after a gestation period of about 4-6 weeks.

• Breeding: Can breed easily in a home aquarium; plants provide cover for fry. They will eat their own babies.