The Tropical Tank Homepage
Article Library Fish Index Tank Setups Forum Links
 
Fish Index:
Anabantids
Catfish
Characins
Cichlids
Cypriniformes
Livebearers
Rainbowfish
Misc FW
Brackish
Shrimp
A-Z list by
Common name
A-Z list by
Scientific name
 

What's New:

What's New in the Fish Index

Three new Puffer profiles.

All Updates

 
Site Map
Email
About this site
 
Find The Tropical Tank on Facebook Follow The Tropical Tank on Twitter
 
 


Swordtail



Picture of female Swordtail Picture of a pair of Swordtails

Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
Photos © Sean Evans

Common name:Swordtail
Scientific name:Xiphophorus helleri, though many aquarium varieties are cultivated strains and may be hybrids of different Xiphophorus species.
Synonyms:(none)
Size:Males up to 4" (10cm), females slightly larger.
Origin:Central America
Tank setup:Planted community aquarium, with open swimming space.
Compatibility:May be slightly aggressive, but generally compatible as a community fish. Keep 2-3 females per male to avoid constant harrasment of a single female.
Temperature:21-26oC (70-79oF)
Water chemistry:Medium hard and slightly alkaline, pH 7.0-8.0
The addition of salt to the tank is not necessary.
Feeding:Will eat most aquarium foods, use flake, granular and frozen or live foods to vary the diet.
Sexing:Only males have the 'sword' and a gonopodium (modified anal fin). Females have a gravid patch.
Breeding:A livebearer. The female is best removed to a separate tank to give birth. There may be 20-80 or more young, depending on the size of the female.
Comments: A large number of colour varieties have been produced, and forms with an additional 'sword' on the upper tail fin.

 

 

Google
 

[Home] [Article Library] [Fish Index] [Tank Setups] [Forum] [Site Map]

 
 

The Tropical Tank Copyright © 2000-2022 Sean Evans This website was last updated on 20th November 2022