Assorted Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) – Hardy, Colorful, and Gracefully Elegant
Overview:
Add vibrant motion to your aquarium with Assorted Swordtails, a classic livebearer species known for their signature elongated “sword-like” tail fin in males and a wide range of bright color morphs. These peaceful, active fish are perfect for community tanks and beginner-friendly setups, while also appealing to experienced hobbyists for their beauty and easy breeding.
? Species Information:
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Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii
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Common Name: Swordtail
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Size: Males: up to 12 cm (5 in), Females: up to 10 cm (4 in)
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Lifespan: 3–5 years
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Temperament: Peaceful to mildly territorial (males)
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Diet: Omnivorous – flakes, pellets, live/frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)
? Aquarium Requirements:
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Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
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Water Type: Freshwater
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Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
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pH Range: 7.0–8.3
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Hardness: Moderate to hard
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Tank Setup: Heavily planted with open swimming space, gentle flow, secure lid (they can jump)
? Highlights:
✅ Assorted colors: Red, Pineapple, Green, Marigold, and more
✅ Distinctive “sword” tail on males – a showstopper in any tank
✅ Peaceful and active community fish
✅ Livebearers – easy to breed
✅ Compatible with guppies, mollies, platys, and corydoras
⚠️ Care Tip:
Swordtails are active swimmers and prefer tanks with space to move. Males can sometimes be mildly territorial—keep a ratio of 2–3 females per male to reduce aggression.
Size is currently around 1.5-2”
