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Photo of: Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
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Scientific Name(s): Xiphophorus hellerii. Poecilia helleri, Xiphophorus brevis, Xiphophorus guentheri, Xiphophorus guntheri, Xiphophorus heller, Xiphophorus helleri brevis, Xiphophorus helleri helleri, Xiphophorus helleri strigatus, Xiphophorus hellerii guentheri, Xiphophorus jalapae, Xiphophorus rachovii, Xiphophorus strigatus
Common Name(s): Swordtail, Sword tail
Family: Poeciliidae
Species Type: Livebearers
Maximum Size: 5 inches
Life Span: 4 years
Natural Habitat: Central American streams
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Tank Region: Tends to stick to the top half of the aquarium
Possible Tank Mates: Other peaceful community fish
Description: The swordtail gets its name from the long pointy extension coming from the bottom of it's caudal fin. This is a great community fish and will do well in most mixed communities.
Many varieties of Swordtails are available including: Simpson, with a larger dorsal fin; Wagtail and Tuxedo, with black on its tail and body; and Lyretail, one of the most popular varieties because of its excellent finnage.
Temperature Range 64°F - 81°F
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| 60°F |
65°F |
70°F |
75°F |
80°F |
85°F |
90°F |
| pH 5.0 |
pH 6.0 |
pH 7.0 |
pH 8.0 |
pH 9.0 |
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Breeding Information: Swordtails are quite easy to breed, largely due to the fact they are livebearers. Be sure to provide plentl of floating plants for cover for the babies because the parents WILL eat them. If you want to maximize the survival rate of the babies, they should be moved to a growing tank once they are free swimming. |
African Catfish
