Santa Claus Swordtail Red and White Livebearer Fish

The Santa Claus Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a striking livebearer known for its brilliant red and white coloration. Named for its festive color pattern, this hardy and active freshwater fish makes a beautiful addition to community aquariums, planted tanks, and livebearer setups.

Santa Claus Swordtails are peaceful, social, and easy to care for, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. Males develop the classic extended lower tail fin, known as a “sword,” which gives swordtails their iconic look.

Key Features

• Beautiful red and white coloration
• Peaceful livebearer for community aquariums
• Hardy, active, and beginner-friendly
• Great for planted tanks and livebearer displays
• Captive-bred variety selected for color and health
• Males may develop the signature sword-like tail extension

Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii
• Common Name: Santa Claus Swordtail
• Origin: Central America; captive-bred color variety
• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful, active, social livebearer
• Adult Size: Up to 4 inches
• Temperature: 72–82°F
• pH: 7.0–8.2
• Diet: Omnivore; flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live foods
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons recommended

Tank Setup

Santa Claus Swordtails do best in a well-filtered freshwater aquarium with open swimming space, live or artificial plants, and stable water parameters. They are active swimmers and appreciate room to move, especially in groups.

Tank Mates

These swordtails are a good choice for peaceful community aquariums. Suitable tank mates may include guppies, mollies, platies, peaceful tetras, corydoras, rasboras, and other non-aggressive community fish.

FAQs

Can Santa Claus Swordtails live with guppies or mollies?
Yes. They are peaceful livebearers and usually do well with guppies, mollies, platies, and other small community fish.

How can I enhance their colors?
Offer a varied diet that includes quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia. Good water quality and low stress also help maintain bright coloration.

Do Santa Claus Swordtails need a group?
Yes. Swordtails are social fish. A good ratio is one male with two to three females to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

Available now at Tropical Treasures Wyo — your freshwater fish store in Cheyenne, Wyoming. We proudly offer healthy freshwater fish, live plants, aquarium supplies, and expert advice for hobbyists throughout Wyoming and Northern Colorado.

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