Xiphophorus helleri

82°F
Explanation of the symbols

73°F
Family : Poeciliidae
Origin : Mexico, Central America
Length : 12 cm - 5"
Min.length aquarium : 100 cm - 40"
English names : Black Swordtail, Gold Tux Swordtail, Green Swordtail, Lyretail Swordtail, Neon Swordtail, Red Simpson Swordtail, Spotted Swordtail, Swordtail
Peaceful fish for the community aquarium.  The aquarium should be heavily planted on the sides and background.   In the middle you should leave much free swimming space.  A cover of floating plants is necessary to provide a refuge for young. 

The fish is omnivorous, so you should provide a great variety of live, frozen and dry food.

Breeding is very easy.  The fish is viviparous.  Every 2-4 weeks 20-60 young fishes are born.  To prevent cannibalism there should be enough hiding places between the roofs of floating plants.  You can feed the young fishes with fine dry food. 

Photo Credit

Jan Bukkems

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