All about the types of swordtails and the conditions of their maintenance

One of the most popular freshwater fish for home aquariums are swordtails, which are distinguished by their vivid colors and unusual sword-like tail shape. These vibrant fish are a favorite choice for both novice and expert aquarists because they are not only stunning to look at but also reasonably simple to care for.

Swordtails come in a variety of forms, and each has distinctive characteristics that set them apart. For those who want to add a pop of color to their aquarium, these fish offer a variety of options, from different color variations to tail fin shapes. Selecting the appropriate ones for your tank can be made easier if you are aware of the various types.

Swordtails require proper care to remain healthy and flourish. Regarding food, tank mates, and water conditions, they have particular requirements. You can take advantage of these fish’s beauty and lively nature for many years to come by creating the ideal habitat.

Swordtail Alvarez

It is a member of the Poeciliidae family, just like all swordtails. Blue swordtail is my second name. Breeders have not altered the natural species. Homeland: the rivers of Mexico and Guatemala.

Silver with a hint of blue; two to three reddish-brown and blue stripes running from head to tail are visible on the sides. Although most swords are yellow with a black edge, some fish have green or red "swords." On the dorsal side, there are red specks; the lateral and pectoral fins are colorless.

A calm fish that gets along well with others. Grows to 4-5 cm in captivity, 6–7.5 cm in the wild (males), depending on the species. lives for two to three years.

Since the species is found in rivers with swift currents, they also produce a water flow in the aquarium to provide active aeration.

• water temperature +24 … +28 degrees;
• hardness from 10 to 20 dH;
• acidity 7-8.5 pH;
• aquarium volume – from 10 liters per fish.

Round-headed swordtail

It can be identified by its large dorsal fin, which resembles a fan, and its high, rounded forehead. Males either don’t have swords at all or only use them in small ways. Fish between 5 and 7 cm in size.

Another organic variety that was brought to us by tropical rivers. The body is covered in transverse gray stripes, and the scales have a pinkish-silver color. In females, the dorsal fin is gray with dark spots, while in males, it is bright yellow. The tail and remaining fins are colorless.

The sole distinction between this species and the Alvarez swordtail is that at least twice as many girls as boys are needed for maintenance and feeding.

Montezuma swordtail

Another name for the species is the Royal. This species of fish has bright yellow males that range in size from 4 to 6 cm. They have a black and white sword that is twice as long as the body. Silver-lilac and brown color options are available.

The dorsal fin is a rich color, fan-shaped, and speckled with black dots, while the other fins are transparent and yellowish. Girls have a more somber appearance, resembling grayscales with a black body stripe.

Montezuma swordtails are an uncommon and pricey species; a heterosexual pair can run up to $100. This is the reason why amateur aquarists do not like the fish.

Maintenance requirements:

• water temperature + 22 … + 26 degrees;
• hardness from 5 to 15 dH;
• acidity no higher than 7-8 pH;
• numerous shelters in the aquarium.

The fish gets along with other species and is calm. For 4-6 females, one male is required for successful reproduction.

Pygmy swordtail

It goes by the name dwarf as well. The species’ natural habitat is in eastern Mexico. The smallest member of the genus, growing to a maximum length of 3–4 cm. Males and females are nearly identical in size, with the exception of slight size differences in females.

Male scales are primarily yellowish, while female scales are silvery. Males have a brown stripe running the length of their bodies, which is either completely absent or much paler. The fins are transparent, and in males, a longitudinal line formed by dark spots on the dorsal surface. There is only a process that is 2-4 mm long—not a sword per se. Forming a gonopodium are the anal fins.

Since pygmies need a lot of room, an aquarium holding five or six fish needs to be at least eighty liters. Additional prerequisites:

• water temperature +24…+27 degrees;
• hardness from 5 to 18 dH;
• acidity 7-8 pH;

Pygmies are intolerant of food particles and decaying waste, and they are sensitive to the purity of the water.

Swordtail Clemensia

A rare natural species inhabits the Papaloapan region of Mexico. Since it reproduces poorly in captivity, amateur aquariums hardly ever contain it.

The fish is only 4-5 cm in size. There are two distinct scarlet lines that run the length of the body; the color is silver with a pink or blue undertone and beige on the back. The sword has a black edge and is yellow in color. In certain representations, its length reaches 3.5 cm. Paler versions of the same tones are used for girls. Representatives of the species have yellowish-colored or colorless fins.

• temperature from +22 to +26 degrees;
• hardness from 3 to 10 dH;
• acidity 7.2-8 pH.

Swordtail Berlin

The species’ name comes from Berlin, where it was first introduced to the Soviet Union. It was created through artificial breeding by mating the green swordtail with the black-tailed platy.

The fish has a vivid reddish-orange coloration, with a dominant shade. Dark fins and a black "sword" Boys and girls have different body shapes; while the latter are wide and rounded, the former have an elongated, graceful body. Berlin swordtails range in size from 5 to 6 cm.

Water needs:

• temperature from +16 to +27 degrees;
• hardness from 5 to 25 dH;
• acidity from 6.5 to 8.5 pH.

Berlin swordtails cross with other pecilia, so keeping the fish in the same aquarium as family members will help to maintain the species’ purity.

The Berlin lyretail swordtail is another. It can be identified by its long, stretched tail and fins; the male lacks a sword.

Cuban swordtail

As the name implies, Cuba is where the species originated. hybrid of green swordtail and Pecilia tuxedo. The word "Cuban" is known as Tuxedo (or simply "tuxedo") in some other countries.

The color varies, with tones of orange, red, and yellow, but the fish is always easily recognized by a black spot that either extends to the sides of the fish or is situated close to the tail.

The pet is only 4-5 cm in size. Male swords come in a variety of lengths, and the color matches the body’s overall color as well as the fins.

Requirements for maintaining the species:

• water temperature +16 … +27 degrees;
• hardness from 10 to 25 dH;
• acidity from 7 to 8.5 pH;
• it is necessary to maintain stable water parameters.

Algae shelters and moderate water movement are essential for the Cuban swordtail in aquariums.

Bulgarian White Swordtail

Emerged from the crossing of other varieties. The albino fish is a white fish with red eyes and an orange "cap." The short sword and fins have no color.

Reachs a height of 7-9 cm, a robust and humble companion. It must be fed a range of foods, including dry, frozen, plant, and live food.

Good at reproducing and mating with different kinds of swordtails.

Requirements for an aquarium:

• volume from 40 liters for 4-5 fish;
• water temperature +23 … +25 degrees (minimum +18);
• hardness 7-20 dH;
• acidity from 7 to 7.5 pH;
• good lighting.

Gentle and appropriate for communal living.

Red swordtail

Alternatively called the Comet swordtail. Another hybrid, with a barely perceptible dark stripe running along the body, and entirely red coloring (including fins and sword). Additionally, orange-colored fish exist; the females are paler than the males. Dimensions: up to 10 cm.

These swordtails come in ornamental forms as well.

• forked (with elongated edges of the fins and three rays on the tail);
• sail (with a large, fluttering dorsal fin);
• veil (with elongated, luxurious fins and tail);
• lyre-tailed (with rays of the same size along the edges of the tail);
• flag (with a large, wide fin on the back).

Ruby swordtail, or Rubin

A red variety. Rubin’s scales and fins are a monochromatic rich scarlet color. Both a standard and a forked form exist. Because of its red eyes, the ruby swordtail fish is also known as the vampire in the West.

Red dragon, or dragon

It can be identified by its red body and dark, nearly black fins and tail. There is no sword on the dorsal fin, which has a triangular shape and rays on both the upper and lower edges. The red dragon’s tail is composed of three short rays, two at the top and bottom, and one in the center.

Standard requirements apply to all red swordtails that are kept:

• water temperature +17 … +27 degrees;
• hardness from 10 to 28 dH;
• acidity 7-8 pH.

They are generally unpretentious, but they prefer live food, even frozen food.

Heller"s green swordtail

A natural species that scientist Karl Heller discovered in 1848 and which is the ancestor of many decorative hybrids.

Males grow to a length of 8 cm, while females reach a length of 12 cm. There aren’t many color differences between the sexes; they are both gray with an olive tint and have a distinct red line running along their bodies. It may have a few paler lines running parallel to it. Fins without color. The swords of males are green or yellow in color and have a dark edge.

The maintenance requirements are identical to those for the Clemensia swordtail.

Lemon swordtail

This is a green albino swordtail, in actuality. The hue ranges from vivid lemon to yellow-green. Its reproduction is poor in an aquarium, and its resistance to illnesses and environmental changes is low.

Black swordtail

A species that has been artificially bred; identified by its colorless fins and uniform dark color. Males have a short sword with a greenish-yellow color.

The fish, which range in size from 7 to 10 cm, are calm and unassuming, but they require a large aquarium because they cannot stand being crowded.

Water needs:

• temperature +16 … +27 degrees;
• hardness from 10 to 30 dH;
• acidity 7-8 pH.

Tolerating short-term temperature drops to +14–+15 degrees is the normal range. doesn’t require a place to stay.

Tiger swordtail, or red-speckled

The spotted and tricolor pecilia were crossed with Heller’s swordtail to create the species.

The primary characteristic that sets the pet tiger apart is its coloring, which consists of a single red body with a scattering of black spots. The dorsal fin and tail are partially black, while the lateral, pectoral, and anal fins are reddish. In men, the sword has two colors. The fish is 7-8 cm in size, which is average.

The form of this variety is lyre-tailed.

While there are fish with a sword and tail that are entirely black, they are not bred in order to maintain the breed.

• temperature +23 … +26 degrees;
• hardness from 6 to 20 dH;
• acidity no more than 7-7.5 pH.

Rainbow swordtail

An additional intriguingly colored hybrid: striking red, brownish, or reddish-orange stripes contrast with silvery-green scales. The fins, tail, and sword may be entirely or partially painted in red or orange.

The fish, which ranges in size from 7 to 9 cm, is not aggressive.

The water requirements for keeping are the same as those for the white swordtail of Bulgaria.

Chintz swordtail

Its distinct tricolor coloring sets it apart from all other varieties; the sword is short and dark, and the body is white with red, orange, or black spots. There are fish where the tail section is entirely or mostly black in color.

Reaching a maximum size of 8–10 cm, the female outgrows the male.

Like the Sanke with the calico swordtail. These two breeds are frequently confused, despite the fact that the darker spots on its body are smaller.

Breeding calico swordtails is challenging due to their unstable coloring. Only a small percentage of the dozens of fry will be the right color, and breeders are currently powerless to change that.

• water temperature +17…+28 degrees;
• hardness from 10 to 30 dH;
• moderate acidity, 7-8 pH;

Popular aquarium fish, swordtails are distinguished by their vivid colors and unusual tail shape. This article discusses the various kinds of swordtails, emphasizing their distinctive qualities and offering helpful maintenance advice. You will discover all the information you need to provide a healthy habitat for these energetic and resilient fish, from knowing the ideal water parameters to selecting the right food and tank design.

Pineapple swordtail

A big species that is 8–10 cm long. The primary hue is golden yellow, with a red body stripe. The same vivid color is applied to the belly, back, and fins. The sword has a short length, a black edge, and can be either red or yellow.

One pair of pineapple swordtails requires 40 liters of fresh water, so they require a lot of space.

• water temperature +20…+26 degrees;
• hardness from 10 to 25 dH;
• acidity 7-8 pH.

Mountain swordtail

A fish having scales that are cream or yellowish in color and shimmer with violet and purple. The dorsal fin, like the rest of the fin, is transparent and pale yellow, with black dots on the sides.

In addition to having a sword, males can be distinguished from females by having a narrow anal fin that resembles a needle, while females have a fan-shaped anal fin. Regardless of gender, the dorsal fin also has a fan-like shape.

The pineapple swordtail is suitable for keeping with the same water parameters.

Ada"s swordtail

One more species for decoration. Although the color is typically black and white, some fish have red spots.

The fins, which resemble a sword and are rich black in color, match the body’s silvery-white shimmering hues. Their length is equivalent to that of the fish, measuring between 8 and 10 centimeters.

The form of this variety is lyre-tailed.

For a black-tailed pet, any fish in the same "weight category" will do as a neighbor.

Water suitable for keeping has the same parameters as that of the Heller’s swordtail.

Swordtail Koi

The fish’s name comes from their outward similarity to the similarly named Japanese carp. Actually, there are three varieties of swordtails in this group: kohaku, calico, and sanke. Due to its red and white color scheme, the first is known as Santa Claus.

In Kohaku, the head and tail regions exhibit red or orange hues, while the body’s midsection is white and the fins and sword lack color. Both Sanke and the calico have black spots.

The Kohaku species can grow up to 10 cm in an aquarium. All three breeds have identical maintenance needs (refer to the section on calico swordtails for more information).

As we can see, the majority of swordtail species are unassuming and laid back, making them a safe choice for aquarists of all skill levels. Fish can live up to three to five years in an aquarium provided it is kept clean, well-ventilated, and well-fed.

Type of Swordtail	Care Requirements
Common Swordtail	Needs a well-filtered tank with a temperature of 72-78°F. Prefers slightly alkaline water and a varied diet including flakes and live food.
Platinum Swordtail	Requires a spacious tank with a temperature of 74-80°F. Enjoys slightly hard water and a diet of high-quality pellets and occasional live food.
Black Swordtail	Thrives in a tank with a temperature range of 74-79°F. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral water and a diet rich in vegetable matter and protein.
Red Swordtail	Best kept in a tank with a temperature of 75-80°F. Likes slightly alkaline water and should be fed a varied diet including pellets, flakes, and occasional live food.

Swordtails’ vivid colors and lively disposition make them a popular choice for both novice and seasoned aquarium enthusiasts. There is a swordtail to fit the taste of any aquarist, with numerous varieties to select from, each with distinctive patterns and colors.

Swordtails are easy to maintain, which makes them a great choice for novice fishkeepers. They flourish in a tank that is kept up-to-date, has good filtration, clean water, and a healthy diet. Their peaceful and sociable nature enables them to live in harmony with other fish, bringing vibrancy and variety to your aquarium.

Knowing your swordtails’ particular requirements—like their inclination toward slightly alkaline water and a roomy aquarium, for example—will help to keep them happy and healthy. You can take years to enjoy the beauty and activity of these fascinating fish if you give them the proper environment and care.

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