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Swordtail Guppy

Posted by Max Gandara on on 14th Sep 2025

The Swordtail Guppy is a stunning and active freshwater fish prized for its elegant sword-like tail extension and wide variety of bright colors and patterns. This guppy is a peaceful livebearer that adds both beauty and energy to any aquarium. Its unique appearance and easy care requirements make it popular with both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Swordtail Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs. Breeding them is simple, and under the right conditions, they reproduce quite frequently. Because of this, aquarists who wish to raise fry should provide plenty of plants, moss, or decorations for the young fish to hide from adults. Watching the breeding process and raising fry is one of the most rewarding aspects of keeping Swordtail Guppies.

In terms of care, Swordtail Guppies thrive in aquariums with clean, well-filtered water and stable water conditions. They prefer a tank with plenty of swimming space as well as live or artificial plants to provide shelter and comfort. A varied diet is key to keeping them healthy—offer high-quality flakes, micro pellets, live foods like brine shrimp or daphnia, and frozen foods for added nutrition and color enhancement.

These guppies are very social and active, doing best when kept in groups. Their peaceful temperament makes them excellent tankmates for other small community fish such as tetras, rasboras, mollies, platies, and shrimp. However, they should not be housed with larger, aggressive fish that may nip at their flowing tails.

Swordtail Guppies grow to about 1.5–2.5 inches and have a lifespan of 2–3 years when cared for properly. They enjoy warmer tropical conditions with water temperatures between 72–82°F and slightly alkaline pH levels. Regular water changes and good tank maintenance will ensure they stay healthy and vibrant.

With their dazzling colors, graceful sword-like tails, and lively personalities, Swordtail Guppies are more than just ornamental—they’re interactive, hardy, and endlessly fascinating to watch. They are a perfect choice for aquarists who want a mix of beauty, activity, and the joy of easy home breeding in their freshwater aquarium.