Swordtail
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Swordtail pair, male with black sword below, fuller female, top. Neil Hepworth
Overview
A classic livebearer and great beginner's fish, colorful and easy to keep.
The Swordtail takes its name from the long, saberlike extension of the male’s tail fin, which is rounded in females. The original wild form is an olive-green color. The sword itself comes in a variety of hues, from greens to yellows to oranges and reds, and many combinations thereof. They have been selectively bred to produce a large array of colors and finnages.
Family: Poeciliidae
Other common name(s):
- Green Swordtail
Native range:
Habitat: Needs a long, rather than tall, aquarium, with plants restricted to the sides and back, and plenty of room to swim in the center.
Maximum length: 11.5 cm (5 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 114 L (30 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (72 °F) - 26 °C (79 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to top
Feeding
Omnivore. In the wild, plant material and insects form the major portions of their diets. In the aquarium, they will consume a wide variety of foods, such as good-quality flakes, freeze-dried , frozen or live foods like brine shrimp and mysid shrimp. To round out their diets, also offer algae-based foods, such a Spirulina flakes.
Aquarium Compatibility
Males are apt to bully one another, so keep only one male to several females. Sometimes they may even be a little aggressive toward other species, although they can be housed with a variety of generally peaceful, community tank fishes.
Special Care
Good jumpers; a tight-fitting cover is a must.
Breeding/Propagation
Bears live young that emerge free-swimming and ready to start feeding. Will crossbreed with the closely related Platy, so it is best not to keep them in the same aquarium if you desire pure offspring.
See: Breeding Livebearers for Kids.
Notes
Swordtails have reportedly been released into waters in Africa, perhaps for mosquito control, and have established themselves at least in Namibia.