Description

Calico Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus helleri

• Common Names: Red Swordtail, Blood Red Swordtail, Red Swordfish

• Family: Poeciliidae

• Order: Cyprinodontiformes

• Origin: Central America — native to Mexico, Belize, and Honduras (now captive-bred worldwide)

• Size: 10 – 12 cm (4 – 5 inches) including tail extension

• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years

• Tank Zone: Middle and upper levels

🌊 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)

• pH: 7.0 – 8.2

• Hardness: 10 – 30 dGH

• TDS: 200 – 400 ppm

🐠 Characteristics

• Body Shape: Streamlined and elongated, typical of livebearers.

• Coloration: Bright and uniform red body and fins; males show more intense coloration.

• Tail: Males have a distinct sword-like lower tail extension.

• Behavior: Active, peaceful, and energetic swimmers.

• Nature: Hardy and adaptable, suitable for community aquariums.

• Special Feature: Color deepens with good diet and stable water conditions.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and vegetable matter.

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small portions.

• Tip: Use color-enhancing foods for richer red tones.

🛠️ Tank Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 80 liters (20 gallons) for a small group

• Filtration: Moderate to strong; ensure clean, oxygen-rich water

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand

• Decor: Provide plants, driftwood, and open space for swimming

• Lighting: Moderate lighting to highlight body color

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly

👥 Social Behavior

• Nature: Peaceful, active, and social

• Group Size: Keep one male with 2–3 females to prevent harassment

• Tank Mates: Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Corydoras, peaceful Tetras, and Danios

• Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish

• Breeding: Livebearer; females give birth to free-swimming fry every 4–6 weeks. Use dense plants or breeding boxes to protect fry.

✅ Do’s
• Maintain warm, stable water conditions
• Provide open swimming space
• Offer a mixed diet with color-boosting foods

❌ Don’ts
• Avoid overcrowding
• Don’t keep too many males in a small tank
• Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations

⭐ Quick Tip:
The Red Swordtail is a classic favorite among aquarists for its vivid red coloration and graceful tail. It’s a hardy, lively, and peaceful livebearer, perfect for community tanks — bringing both color and movement to any aquarium setup.