Red Swordtail fish

Red Swordtail fish: Swordfish are quite common among aquarists because of their striking red and black colour scheme. They received their name from a flashy extension on the lower portion of their tail that looks like a sword. It gives the fish a chic and elegant aspect, which improves the tank’s overall attractiveness.

Red Swordtail fish will make a perfect addition to a community aquarium because they are tranquil by nature, need minimal upkeep, and enhance the beauty of the tank with their varied, vibrant colours.

Even though there are other swordtail fish varieties, such as the Pineapple, Neon, and Black Nubain Swordtail Fish, the Red Swordtail Fish is incredibly attractive.

From North and Central America, swordtail fish (Xiphophorus helleri) are a perennially popular freshwater species. They are related to other common fish like the platy and guppy and are members of the Poeciliidae family. These fish, like others in the Poeciliidae family, are abundant livebearers and eager to breed in captivity (more on that later).

I. Size

• Average Adult Size:  5 inches
• Maximum Adult Size: 5.5 inches
• Swimming Level: Top and middle levels

II. You would love the fish because…

The male swordtail fish’s caudal fin is its most distinguishing characteristic. The bottom lobe is stretched out, resulting in a sword-like protrusion that can extend the full length of the body.

Swordtail fish have a relatively “normal” body shape except from that distinguishing feature! They resemble the Southern platy in appearance. The same streamlined shape, broad tailfin, pointed snout, and upturned mouth are features of swordtails. The dorsal and pelvic fins, which are located in the middle of the fish, are where it is widest.

 III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

• Recommended: 4-6
• Recommended Male/Female – 1 with many females
• Overall friendliness : Peaceful
• Friendliness with own kind: Peaceful
• Friendliness with other species: Peaceful

IV. Species compatibility

• Platy Fish
• Molly Fish
• Angelfish
• Cory Catfish
• Rosy Barbs
• Dwarf Gourami
• Neon Tetras
• Celestial Pearl Danios

V. How to feed this species?

Daphina, blackworms, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae are the greatest live foods to feed swordtails (illegal to culture in some areas). They can be fed frozen daphnia, blackworms, brine shrimp, and bloodworms because their tastes in frozen meals are rather comparable.

Recommended food

• WA Micro Pellet Young Adult Fish Feed
• Taiyo Aini Fast Red Pellet Fish Food

Word for the wise

Live Plants

All your aquarium essentials

Live, frozen food

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