Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
Minimum Tank
20 Gallons
Adult Size
5 inches
Temperature
72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range
7.0-8.4
Lifespan
4 years
School Size
4+ fish
About Swordtail
The swordtail is a popular livebearer native to the rivers and streams of Central America, from Mexico to Honduras. Males are instantly recognizable by the elongated lower tail fin ray that forms the characteristic sword extension, which can grow to match the body length. Swordtails come in a wide variety of colors and patterns through selective breeding, including red, orange, pineapple, tuxedo, and neon varieties. They are active, assertive swimmers that occupy all levels of the aquarium. An interesting biological quirk is that older females can sometimes develop male characteristics including the sword and gonopodium, though this sex reversal does not usually result in functional fertility.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 20-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- • pH: 7.0 - 8.4
- • Category: Livebearer
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Keep swordtails in a tank of at least 20 gallons, as they are active swimmers that need space. Maintain a ratio of one male to two or three females to prevent male harassment and aggression between rival males. They prefer moderately hard, alkaline water at 72-79°F. Swordtails are excellent jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is essential. Feed a varied diet of quality flakes, small pellets, and occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach or spirulina. They breed readily, with females producing 20-80 fry every 4-6 weeks. If you do not want fry, keep single-sex groups. They mix well with other livebearers and peaceful community fish.
Quick Facts
76L
Min Tank (20gal)
13cm
Adult Size (5")
4yr
Lifespan
4+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Swordtail
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Tank Mates for Swordtail
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Molly
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easy · 20+ gal
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Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Swordtail need?
A Swordtail needs a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (76 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 4.
What water parameters does a Swordtail need?
Swordtail thrive in water between 72-82°F (22-28°C) with a pH of 7.0-8.4.
Are Swordtail easy to care for?
Swordtail are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 4 years.
How big do Swordtail get and what do they eat?
Swordtail reach about 5 inches and are omnivores. Keep swordtails in a tank of at least 20 gallons, as they are active swimmers that need space. Maintain a ratio of one male to two or three females to prevent male harassment and aggression between rival males. They prefer moderately hard, alkaline water at 72-79°F. Swordtails are excellent jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is essential. Feed a varied diet of quality flakes, small pellets, and occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach or spirulina. They breed readily, with females producing 20-80 fry every 4-6 weeks. If you do not want fry, keep single-sex groups. They mix well with other livebearers and peaceful community fish.