| Temperature | 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Min tank | 20 gal (76 L) |
| Adult size | 14 cm |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
I still remember the first time a Swordtail settled into a tank I had cycled for weeks — within two days it stopped hiding and started behaving like the species actually does. The Xiphophorus hellerii Swordtail is a long-time favourite for a reason, but it has specific needs that generic "community fish" advice misses.
At a glance
| Minimum tank | 20 gallons (76 L) |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22 to 28 °C |
| pH range | 7.0 to 8.0 |
| Adult size | 10 to 14 cm |
| Lifespan | 3 to 5 years |
| Group size | a group of 6+ |
Where it comes from
In the wild the Swordtail lives in slow, vegetated waters where cover is everywhere and currents stay gentle. Recreating that means planting densely, keeping the filter flow soft, and avoiding bright, open tanks that leave the fish exposed. Stable water matters more than perfect parameters.
Tank setup
Start with at least 20 gallons and a mature, cycled filter — see our lemon tetra for beginners guide before you buy. A sand or fine gravel substrate, a few driftwood branches and a carpet or mid-ground plant mass give the fish somewhere to retreat. Keep nitrates under 20 ppm with a weekly 32% water change.
Feeding
Feed a varied diet: a quality flake or micro-pellet as the base, topped up with frozen or live foods two or three times a week. Offer only what the fish clears in about 1 minutes, once or twice daily. Overfeeding is the single most common cause of water-quality swings.
A mistake everyone makes
Adding a Swordtail to a brand-new tank is the classic error. An uncycled tank spikes ammonia to 0.9 ppm within days and the fish pays for it. Cycle first, stock lightly, and let the group size build up gradually.
Good tank mates
Peaceful, similar-sized neighbours work best. Avoid fin-nippers and anything large enough to swallow the Swordtail. A planted community with a solid costia early signs in the mix tends to settle quickly.
Breeding notes
Condition a healthy pair in the 20-gallon tank with varied live and frozen foods, then give flat surfaces, caves, or plants for eggs. Raise fry on infusoria or powdered food and keep the water pristine.
