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General information – The Xiphophorus helleri known also as swordtail is one of the impressive fish among the livebearers. Its tail look like a sword, his native color was metal green but today we can see swordtails in many varieties such as green, orange, yellow and the most common is the red swordtail. Common Name - Swordtail, Red Simpson, Spotted Swordtail, Red Velvet Swordtail. Scientific Name - Xiphophorus helleri Family – Poeciliidae Origin - Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras Size - 2 inches (5 cm) to 5 inches (13 cm). First discovered - Heckle, 1848. Nutrition – omnivore, in home tank will accept any given food, flakes, pellet, frozen or live food, they also need green food such as lettuce. Behavior – peaceful, males may become aggressive towards other males. Maintenance and care- 10 gallon tank and up, even though they can handle themselves with other fish don't keep them with tropical fish big enough to eat them, weekly water changes are needed, will appreciate plants as a hiding places in their tank. Water Parameters – PH- 7-8.2, temperature 72°F - 82°F (22°C - 28°C), DH- 9-15. Breeding – It is very easy to sex between male and female, the male has a signature long anal fin, the Xiphophorus helleri is a livebearers, after mating the fertilized eggs remain in the female abdomen, after wile the female releasing them to open water. Xiphophorus helleri are eating their own fry.
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