Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Swordtail's adult size and activity level. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
Back to Freshwater Fish
Freshwater Fish
Xiphophorus hellerii
Loading listings...
Community Marketplace
Fellow hobbyists may also be selling Swordtail.
Want Swordtail?
Tell shops you're looking — be the first to signal demand.
What to know before you buy.
Named for the distinctive sword-like extension on the lower part of the male's tail fin, the Swordtail is a larger and very active livebearer. They come in many beautiful color varieties and are generally peaceful, though males can sometimes be boisterous with each other. A spacious tank is recommended to accommodate their active swimming.
Key traits
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Everything you need to keep Swordtail healthy in a South African setup.
Size the aquarium to Swordtail's adult size and activity level. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
Keep pH 7–8.4 and 22–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Swordtail is an omnivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for freshwater fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Swordtail is generally peaceful. Observe during feeding and at lights-out for true temperament.
Pair with similarly sized peaceful tankmates in freshwater fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding notes for Swordtail vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
From hobbyists across SA.
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
SA price range this month: R20–400 · Average: R58
This data is unique to FishHub
No active alerts for Swordtail yet. Be the first to set one.
Species that typically work alongside Swordtail in a similar setup.
Molly
Poecilia sphenops
Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
Balloon Molly
Poecilia sphenops (deformed variety)
Koi
Cyprinus rubrofuscus
Lionhead Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Oranda
Carassius auratus
Veiltail Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Jikin Goldfish
Carassius auratus