Assorted Swordtail – Colorful Freshwater Livebearer
Assorted Swordtails are active, colorful freshwater livebearers available in a variety of selectively bred colors and patterns. Most aquarium-store swordtails are derived primarily from Xiphophorus hellerii, with many domestic strains showing influence from related Xiphophorus species through selective breeding and hybridization.
These hardy, energetic fish are popular in freshwater community aquariums and are especially well suited to tanks with moderately hard to hard, alkaline water.
Key Features
- Colorful freshwater livebearer
- Available in assorted colors and patterns
- Active and social community fish
- Males develop the characteristic sword-like lower tail extension
- Hardy and adaptable when kept in appropriate water conditions
- Excellent for medium to large freshwater community aquariums
- Livebearing species that gives birth to free-swimming fry
Product Information
- Common Name: Assorted Swordtail
- Scientific Name: Primarily Xiphophorus hellerii-type domestic strains
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Adult Size: Commonly around 4–6 inches depending on sex and strain
- Temperament: Peaceful to moderately assertive
- Diet: Omnivore
- Water Type: Freshwater
- Breeding Type: Livebearer
Color & Appearance
Assorted Swordtails may include a wide variety of colors and patterns depending on availability.
Common aquarium strains may include:
- Red
- Orange
- Green
- Black
- Wagtail
- Tuxedo
- Neon
- Lyretail
- Hi-fin varieties
- Mixed or patterned color forms
Exact coloration and pattern will vary from fish to fish.
Adult Size
Swordtails are larger than many common livebearers. Adult males can reach approximately 5–6 inches including the extended lower portion of the tail, while females may become similarly large or slightly larger-bodied.
FishBase reports maximum total lengths of approximately 14 cm for males and 16 cm for females in the species. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="1"}
Recommended Tank Size
A 30-gallon aquarium or larger is a good practical minimum for a small group of Swordtails, with larger aquariums preferred for multiple males or mixed livebearer communities.
Seriously Fish recommends a tank footprint of approximately 48 × 12 inches for the species, reflecting their active swimming behavior and adult size. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="2"}
Water Parameters
- Temperature: Approximately 68–82°F practical aquarium range
- pH: 7.0–8.0
- Hardness: Approximately 10–25 dGH
Swordtails generally perform best in moderately hard to hard, mineral-rich water.
Stable water quality is more important than chasing an exact number. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH, or mineral content.
Aquarium Setup
Assorted Swordtails appreciate an aquarium with both open swimming space and areas of plant cover.
A suitable setup may include:
- Live or artificial plants
- Floating plants
- Driftwood
- Rockwork
- Open swimming areas
- Moderate water movement
- A secure lid
Swordtails are strong swimmers and can jump, so a secure aquarium lid is recommended.
Temperament
Swordtails are generally peaceful community fish, but adult males may display toward one another and establish dominance hierarchies.
Providing adequate space, plant cover, and a suitable male-to-female ratio can help reduce persistent chasing.
Male to Female Ratio
When keeping mixed sexes, a ratio of approximately 1 male to 2–3 females is commonly recommended.
This helps distribute male attention among several females and reduces stress on any one individual.
Male-only groups may also be possible in sufficiently large aquariums, although some chasing and dominance behavior should be expected.
Tank Mates
Assorted Swordtails can be kept with many peaceful to moderately active community fish that prefer similar water conditions.
Potential tank mates include:
- Platies
- Mollies
- Guppies
- Peaceful rainbowfish
- Some barbs
- Peaceful tetras suited to harder water
- Corydoras where water parameters overlap
- Other similarly sized peaceful community fish
Avoid keeping Swordtails with fish that are extremely aggressive, large enough to eat them, or require dramatically different water chemistry.
Diet
Swordtails are omnivores. Wild Xiphophorus hellerii consume a combination of small invertebrates, algae, detritus, and plant material. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="3"}
In the aquarium, offer a varied diet that may include:
- High-quality tropical flakes
- Small pellets or granules
- Spirulina-based foods
- Algae-based foods
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Frozen daphnia
- Frozen bloodworms as an occasional treat
A varied diet containing both plant and animal ingredients helps support good condition and coloration.
Breeding
Swordtails are livebearers, meaning females give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs.
They breed readily under good aquarium conditions, so mixed-sex groups can produce fry frequently.
Dense plants, floating plants, or breeder grass can provide hiding places for newborn fry.
Adult fish may eat young fry, so a separate grow-out tank or dense cover may be needed if you want to raise larger numbers of offspring.
Male vs. Female Swordtail
Males typically develop the distinctive elongated lower portion of the tail known as the “sword.” They also possess a gonopodium, a modified anal fin used for reproduction.
Females generally lack the sword extension and tend to develop fuller, deeper bodies.
Important Care Notes
- Keep water moderately hard to hard and alkaline.
- Use a secure lid because Swordtails can jump.
- Provide plenty of swimming space.
- Avoid overcrowding males in small aquariums.
- Maintain stable water quality with regular partial water changes.
- Expect mixed-sex groups to reproduce readily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Swordtails get?
Most aquarium Swordtails reach approximately 4–6 inches depending on sex and strain, with males appearing longer because of the sword extension.
What temperature do Swordtails prefer?
A practical aquarium range is approximately 68–82°F.
What pH do Swordtails prefer?
They generally do best around pH 7.0–8.0.
Are Swordtails peaceful?
Yes, generally. Males can become competitive with one another, especially in smaller aquariums.
Do Swordtails need aquarium salt?
Routine salt use is not required. Good mineral content and stable, appropriately hard water are more important.
Are Swordtails livebearers?
Yes. Females give birth to free-swimming fry.
Will the fish look exactly like the photo?
Not necessarily. This is an assorted listing, so color, pattern, fin shape, and sex may vary depending on current stock.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Assorted Swordtails are available from Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.
Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only and are not available for shipping.
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