Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
Synonyms Green swordtail · Red swordtail · Xiphophorus helleri · Kohaku swordtail · Pineapple swordtail · Lyretail swordtail
Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 12 cm (4.7 in) and swims in open water. It wants 72–82°F (22–28°C) and pH 7–8.3, is kept in groups of 3 or more, and needs a tank of at least 100 L (26 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 12 cm (4.7 in) |
| Minimum tank | 100 L (26 gal) |
| Group size | 3 or more |
| Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| pH | 7–8.3 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| GH | 12–30 |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Swordtail needs at least 100 L (26 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 29 Gallon.
- Keep 3 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It holds at 72–82°F (22–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- It eats soft-leaved plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
- A group of 3 takes up roughly 66% of what a 29 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
Swordtail: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 100 L (26 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 29 Gallon.
How many should I keep?
3 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
72–82°F (22–28°C), pH 7–8.3, GH 12–30.
How long does it live?
3–5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.
Often compared with
| Swordtail | Platy | Boesemani Rainbowfish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 12 cm | 6 cm | 12 cm |
| Min tank | 100 L | 60 L | 200 L |
| Group | 3+ | 3+ | 6+ |
| Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) | 68–79°F (20–26°C) | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Shrimplets only | Yes |