Collection: Swordtails

Assorted Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri)

The Assorted Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) is a colorful and active freshwater fish, admired for its distinctive "sword-like" tail extension in males and a wide range of vibrant color patterns. Known for their hardy nature and peaceful temperament, Swordtails are an excellent choice for community aquariums and are ideal for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

Product Details

• Species: Xiphophorus helleri
• Common Names: Swordtail
• Origin: Central America
• Diet: Omnivore
• Maximum Size: 8–10 cm (3–4 inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
Swordtails thrive in tanks of at least 40 liters with a mix of open swimming space and densely planted areas for shelter. Include live plants, rocks, and decorations to create a natural environment. They prefer gentle water flow and a secure lid to prevent jumping.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 20°C – 28°C
• pH Range: 7.0 – 8.4
• Water Hardness: Moderately hard to hard (10 – 30 dGH)

Diet:
Swordtails are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. Offer high-quality flakes or pellets as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Include vegetable matter like spirulina or blanched spinach for balanced nutrition and vibrant coloration.

Behavior and Compatibility:
Swordtails are peaceful and social fish, making them great for community tanks. They coexist well with other similarly sized peaceful species, such as platies, guppies, mollies, tetras, and Corydoras. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive or fin-nipping species. Keep them in groups of 3 or more for social interaction, but maintain a ratio of 1 male to 2–3 females to prevent stress from excessive mating behavior.

Growth and Maintenance:

Swordtails grow up to 10 cm and are low-maintenance. Regular water changes and consistent water quality are essential for their health. They are livebearers and prolific breeders, so separating males and females or introducing predator fish may be necessary to manage the population.

Availability:
Assorted Swordtails (Xiphophorus helleri) are available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and add these vibrant and lively fish to your freshwater aquarium today!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.