How to keep and breed flag Swordtails?

Flag swordtail aquarium fish are colorful and lively fish that may be just what you’re looking for. Hobbyists often choose for these stunning fish because of their eye-catching tails and vibrant colors. They liven up any tank with their lively swimming and gregarious personalities.

Flag swordtails are an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned aquarists because they are relatively easy to maintain. They flourish in a tank that is kept up properly and has the right water balance. You can take advantage of their vibrant colors and energetic behavior for many years to come with proper care.

It can be satisfying to breed flag swordtails. As livebearers, these fish do not lay eggs; instead, they give birth to young that swim freely. Raising a new generation of these endearing fish will be easier if you are aware of their breeding habits and needs.

We’ll cover all you need to know about raising and breeding flag swordtails in this guide. You can maximize your aquarium experience by learning all the necessary tips and tricks, from creating their perfect habitat to taking care of their young.

Wild swordtails

Guatemala and Central America are the natural habitats of wild swordtails. There are ancestors of domesticated analogues in nearby reservoirs like rivers and lakes. Though they lack the brightness of aquarium fish, wild fish nevertheless have a wide range of colors and, most importantly, adapt well to different types of water.

Wild swordtails typically take up residence in shallow areas with lots of algae, which provides them with both food and cover. These fish consume insects and other living things in addition to plants. Wild swordtails grow to a maximum length of 10–12 cm.

Swordtails can be found up to 1,500 meters above sea level in high-mountain reservoirs.

Main characteristics of flag swordtails

The large dorsal fin of the flag swordtail, which resembles a large sail, gave rise to the species’ name. The length of a flag swordtail can reach 14–16 cm, with females being larger than males. This morph is distinguished by a distinctive expansion in the lower tail plumage.

The volume of the aquarium has a major influence on fish size; the bigger the aquarium, the bigger the fish get. Lifespan can be up to six years, depending on how well the detention conditions are maintained.

The flag swordtail comes in a wide variety of colors.

• black;
• white;
• motley;
• with stripes;
• combined of two colors.

Ruby is a commonly found subspecies of flag swordtails. It is always a deep crimson in color.

These peaceful fish, which are housed in pairs or alone, are viviparous and easily identifiable. Swordtails enjoy eating both plant and animal food, so any dry food will do.

Problems with maintenance

Flag swordtail maintenance doesn’t present any unique challenges. Furthermore, among novice aquarists, this is one of the most popular varieties of aquarium fish. Their propensity to overeat is their lone flaw.

Making the incorrect choice of neighbors can lead to additional issues. The big "sailing" fin of flag swordtails will be plunked if they are paired with overly active and hostile fish.

Features of nutrition

Starter foods come in live or frozen forms as flakes, chips, or granules. Flag swordtails eat anything with pleasure because they are omnivores and voracious eaters.

• alternation of plant and animal food;
• feeding frequency — once a day;
• the portion should be such that the fish eat the food within a few minutes;
• once a week — fasting day.

Verify the manufacture date of any dry food you purchase because stale goods might harbor pathogenic microorganisms. Choosing bulk food for aquarium fish is not advised.

The fish is cared for in the same way as other swordtails. It stands out for being resilient and unassuming, and it adjusts to different environments with ease. To begin with, a 40–50 liter aquarium will suffice, but this is only sufficient for one fish. A container that holds at least 100 liters is required for a small family.

In raw, choppy water, fish should not be eaten. In order to purify the water in the aquarium, a filtration system needs to be installed. Water needs to be changed on a regular basis, ideally once a week.

• temperature — +22…+26 °C;
• acidity — pH 7=7.5;
• hardness — dH 6-20°;
• substrate – sand, pebbles;
• lighting – bright or moderate;
• water movement – insignificant;
• a ​​lid is a must.

Water can have a slight salinity of up to 15 g per liter.

The aquarium should be filled with a lot of plants. They are voluntarily hidden in by females from the advances of hostile males. Short-term cold snaps are easily tolerated by the fish. They won’t become ill after a period of time when the temperature drops to +15 °C.

Compatibility of flag swordtails with other fish

Flag swordtails are gregarious and agile, despite the fact that swimming is made more difficult by their large fin. These fish are calm and peaceful by nature; they don’t easily become involved in arguments and get along with their quiet neighbors.

Remember that hybrid offspring may appear if you settle flag swordtails with pecilia and mollies when choosing neighbors.

Flag swordtails are most compatible with:

Additionally, they work well with angelfish, corydoras, and ancistrus.

Completely irreconcilable with big hunters, cichlids. Furthermore, swordtails and veiltail fish shouldn’t be mixed. While swordtails will undoubtedly "pinch" their slower neighbors, the latter run the risk of losing their translucent, fluttering fins.

Male swordtails may get into arguments and fights, which frequently result in injuries. Swordtails should therefore be kept in "harems," with two to three females for every male. Keeping the fish in pairs is strictly prohibited because the male will kill the female.

It’s critical to comprehend the fundamental care needs and breeding behaviors of flag swordtails if you hope to successfully maintain and breed them in your aquarium. These colorful fish flourish in a clean, well-kept tank with consistent water quality and a healthy diet. You can have a flourishing population of these stunning and energetic fish in your aquarium by giving them the proper conditions and being aware of how they breed.

How to distinguish a male from a female?

The sexes of flag swordtails can be distinguished with ease. These vivid, striking fish got their name from the lengthy process that the male has at the end of the fin.

Flag swordtails differ from other viviparous fish in that their anal fin structure is unique.

• in females – wide;
• in males – narrow and elongated.

The female changes into a male if there aren’t many males in the aquarium. She develops a sword-like process and starts to actively pursue the other sex. However, a fish of this kind becomes sterile and cannot bear children.

For aquarium enthusiasts, raising and breeding Flag Swordtails can be a fulfilling experience. With a little attention, these colorful fish can thrive and procreate with ease, adding a burst of color and vibrancy to any aquarium. The key to their health and happiness is to provide them with a well-maintained environment with appropriate water conditions and tank setup.

The breeding process for swordtails is not too complicated. Successful reproduction will be facilitated by having a good ratio of males to females in your tank. Live young will be born to the females, so plan ahead and either raise the fry or provide hiding places to keep them safe from other fish.

All things considered, Flag Swordtails are hardy and versatile fish that can enhance the beauty and happiness of your aquarium. You can enjoy seeing them develop and flourish in your aquatic setup by paying attention to their needs and adhering to some basic care guidelines.

Video on the topic

#145 SWORDTAILS. MAINTENANCE AND BREEDING. Xiphophorus hellerii

Fry of flag swordtails. Hurray !

MAINTENANCE AND BREEDING OF SWORDTAILS