Easy

Swordtail

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Xiphophorus hellerii

Complete Swordtail care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 15 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Swordtail

Quick Answer

Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. It requires a minimum 15 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. This omnivore occupies the middle zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. Known for their peaceful nature and distinct appearance, they occupy the middle levels of the aquarium and bring dynamic energy to any setup.

Setup

Swordtail requires a stable, well-filtered aquarium of at least 15 gallons. They thrive best with moderate water movement and a reliable heater to maintain temperatures around 22-26°C. Ensure pH levels remain consistent between 6.5 - 7.5 to prevent stress and support long-term health.

Feeding

As a omnivore, the Swordtail is not a picky eater. They should be fed a high-quality base of flakes, sinking pellets, or wafers. Periodic supplementation with frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, will boost their health and colors.

Compatibility

Swordtail has a peaceful temperament. They are compatible with other fish of similar sizes and temperaments. Avoid placing them with aggressive species or tankmates they are listed as incompatible with, such as: None.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Swordtails should be kept together?
Maintain a group of 4 to 6 individuals in a tank of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) with a footprint of 30x12 inches (75x30 cm). Swordtails (Xiphophorus hellerii) require a ratio of 2-3 females per male, as males can be competitive and will continuously chase females. Groups under 4 cause stress. For a male-only display, keep 4-5 males (expect minor sparring). Provide open swimming lanes and dense planting (Java moss, Vallisneria). Tank length must exceed 30 inches (75 cm) to accommodate male sword extensions.
What are the exact water parameters for Swordtails?
Target pH 7.0 - 8.0, General Hardness 8 - 15 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 6 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 150 - 400 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 300 - 800 μS/cm, and temperature 70°F - 78°F (21°C - 26°C). They prefer hard, mineral-rich alkaline parameters and require long aquariums for swimming. Maintain nitrates below 20 ppm with weekly 25% water changes. Add crushed coral to increase hardness if needed. Avoid soft water (dGH <4) and pH below 6.5.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Swordtails?
They are hardy omnivores requiring 40% protein, 10% fat, 50% plant matter. Feed high-quality flake food, sinking pellets, frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and spirulina blends twice daily. Supplement with blanched spinach and zucchini. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) and formalin. Praziquantel is safe. Salt baths up to 5 ppt treat external parasites. Quarantine with methylene blue for 7 days. They are hardy but can carry camallanus worms; treat with levamisole (2 mg/L).
How to breed Swordtails with step-by-step triggers?
No special triggers needed; they breed prolifically. Maintain temperature at 75°F (24°C), pH 7.5, and provide dense java moss for fry. Females give birth to 20-100 live fry every 28-30 days after 4-5 week gestation. Fry are 0.3 inches (8 mm) and accept crushed flakes and baby brine shrimp immediately. Remove adults to prevent cannibalism, or provide dense moss. Separate males and females to control population. Cull deformed fry (bent spines, missing swords) to maintain genetic health.