All fish / Poeciliidae

Green swordtail

Xiphophorus hellerii

Also known as swordtail, red swordtail, 剑尾鱼, 红剑

Males grow a long sword from the bottom of the tail. Red, black and pineapple forms are common.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

7 to 8

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

One male to several females

Diet

Omnivore: flakes, pellets, greens

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Mexico to Honduras

Breeding

Livebearer; give plants for fry cover.

Good to know

Males spar with each other. Good jumpers, so keep a lid on.