Red Velvet Hi Fin Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) – Grace, Color, and Flair in Motion

If you're looking for a show-stopping livebearer that brings elegance and bold color to your freshwater aquarium, the Red Velvet Hi Fin Swordtail is a top contender. With its deep crimson body, flowing dorsal fin, and the signature “sword” tail extension on males, this swordtail is a living piece of art—perfect for community tanks and display aquariums alike.

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? What Makes the Red Velvet Hi Fin Swordtail Special?

This striking variety of Xiphophorus hellerii has been selectively bred for:

• A vibrant red body with a velvety finish

• An exaggerated long, flowing dorsal fin (hi fin trait)

• The iconic sword-like lower tail extension on males

• Peaceful temperament and easy compatibility with many tankmates

The hi fin gene adds dramatic elegance to an already eye-catching fish, making this variant especially popular among breeders and aquascapers.

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? Size & Lifespan

• Adult Size: 10–12 cm (4–5 inches)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years with proper care

• Sexual Dimorphism: Males have the "sword" tail and more intense coloration; females are larger-bodied with shorter fins

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? Behavior & Temperament

Red Velvet Hi Fin Swordtails are peaceful, social, and active. They do best in groups of 3 or more, ideally with a 2:1 female-to-male ratio to reduce stress and competition during mating.

They thrive in community tanks and get along well with:

• Mollies

• Platies

• Guppies

• Corydoras

• Tetras (non-fin-nipping species)

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? Water Parameters & Tank Setup

These fish are hardy and adaptable, but ideal conditions will help maximize their health and coloration.

Recommended Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum (larger for groups)

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH: 7.0–8.3

• Hardness: Moderately hard

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand

• Decor: Live plants, open swimming areas, hiding spots

Important: The hi fin trait can make swimming slightly slower—avoid placing them with fin-nippers or overly aggressive tankmates.

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?️ Diet & Feeding

These swordtails are omnivores and not picky eaters. A varied diet enhances their coloration and promotes fin health.

Ideal Diet:

• High-quality flakes or pellets

• Spirulina-based foods (to enhance red tones)

• Freeze-dried bloodworms or brine shrimp

• Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini)

Feed 1–2 times daily in small amounts. Overfeeding can cause bloating, especially in long-finned strains.

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? Breeding

Red Velvet Hi Fin Swordtails are livebearers—females give birth to free-swimming fry every 4–6 weeks.

Breeding Tips:

• Provide dense plants (like hornwort or guppy grass) for fry to hide

• Consider separating pregnant females to a breeding box or dedicated tank

• Fry can be fed crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp

Note: Breeding hi fin variants may require care to preserve the fin traits through selective pairing.

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