Overview
- The Green Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is the wild-type form of the familiar swordtail. Males grow a long “sword” on the lower tail fin.
- Native to southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras.
- Grows to about 6 in (14 cm) standard length. [UNVERIFIED] The sword can add more length.
- Many colored and fancy-finned strains exist.
Feeding
- An omnivore that eats invertebrates, detritus, algae and plant material.
- Unfussy. Offer a balanced diet that includes plant-based foods.
Habitat
- A tank with a base of 48 × 12 in (120 × 30 cm).
- Heavily planted with a dark substrate, or a stream-style tank with rocks.
- Water: 61–82°F (16–28°C), pH 7.0–8.0, GH 10–25.
Fish Care
- Hardy, but needs hard, alkaline water.
- Active swimmer. Give it plenty of space.
Compatibility
- Generally good with peaceful community fish that like hard water. [UNVERIFIED]
Aquarium Behavior
- In small tanks, males form dominance hierarchies and may harass each other.
- Keep more females than males.
Breeding
- A livebearer. Males use a gonopodium to fertilize females internally.
- Breeds readily. [UNVERIFIED] Provide dense plants so fry can hide from adults.