Lyretail Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) – Elegant & Colorful Livebearer

🐠 Lyretail Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) – Elegant & Colorful Livebearer

The Lyretail Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) is a graceful and vibrant livebearer known for its elongated, lyre-shaped tail and brilliant coloration. This active species brings a splash of motion and color to community aquariums while remaining peaceful and easy to care for.

Available in a range of hues—including fiery orange, vivid red, and golden tones—the Lyretail Swordtail is a favorite among both beginners and experienced hobbyists. Their hardy nature and adaptability make them ideal for planted or community setups.

🌟 Key Features

✨ Unique Lyre-Shaped Tail – Distinct flowing fin design that adds elegance to any tank
🐟 Colorful & Active – Brings life and movement to community aquariums
🌿 Peaceful Livebearer – Great with guppies, platies, and mollies
💧 Hardy & Beginner-Friendly – Thrives in a wide range of freshwater conditions
🧬 Selective-Bred Variety – A stunning fin variation of the classic Swordtail

⚙️ Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus helleri
• Common Name: Lyretail Swordtail
• Origin: Central America (Mexico, Belize, Honduras)
• Temperament: Peaceful, active
• Adult Size: 3.5–4 inches
• Diet: Omnivore – flakes, pellets, frozen brine shrimp, and blanched vegetables
• Tank Size: 20+ gallons recommended
• Water Temperature: 72–82°F
• pH Range: 7.0–8.2
• Lifespan: 3–5 years with proper care

💡 Tank Setup Tips

• Provide plenty of swimming space and moderate filtration.
• Add plants and hiding spots for females and fry.
• Keep a ratio of one male to multiple females to reduce fin-nipping or mating stress.
• Ideal tankmates include guppies, mollies, platies, Corydoras, and peaceful tetras.

❓ FAQ

Q: Are Lyretail Swordtails peaceful?
A: Yes! They’re active but non-aggressive and do well in peaceful community aquariums.

Q: Can they live in planted tanks?
A: Absolutely. Swordtails love the cover and natural environment of live plants.

Q: What do they eat?
A: They’re omnivores—feed them a balanced diet of quality flakes, pellets, and vegetable matter.

Q: How can I tell males from females?
A: Males have the long “sword” tail and lyre fins, while females are rounder with shorter fins.

Q: Are they livebearers?
A: Yes! Females give birth to free-swimming fry about every 4–6 weeks.