Painted Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) - Live Fish

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM:

The Painted Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a strikingly beautiful and vibrant species of freshwater fish belonging to the family Poeciliidae. This variety is a color morph of the common Swordtail, well-known for its characteristic elongated tail fin, which resembles a sword. The "painted" version stands out due to its vivid coloration, which can include shades of red, orange, yellow, and green, often with a mixture of bold, iridescent patterns. These fish are popular in community aquariums and are prized for their colorful appearance, active behavior, and ease of care.

Physical Characteristics:
Size: Painted Swordtails are medium-sized fish, with males typically reaching 2 to 2.5 inches (5 to 6 cm) in length, while females can grow slightly larger, up to 4 inches (10 cm). Their size makes them a good fit for small to medium-sized aquariums, though they are quite active and require enough space to swim.
Coloration: The defining feature of Painted Swordtails is their brilliant, multi-colored body. The males, especially, display vivid red, orange, or yellow hues with various shades of green, blue, or even black across their bodies. The coloration tends to be more intense during the breeding season. Females, on the other hand, have more subdued, lighter tones of green, yellow, or silver with hints of the male's colors, although they lack the vividness of the males' patterns.
Body Shape: Painted Swordtails have a streamlined, elongated body that helps them swim efficiently. Their most iconic feature is the sword-like extension of the lower part of their tail fin, which can be quite long, depending on the individual. The body is sleek and narrow, while their dorsal fin is typically small and set toward the rear of their bodies. Their pectoral fins are small but aid in fine swimming movements.

Behavior and Habitat:
Temperament: Painted Swordtails are peaceful, social, and active fish that thrive in schools. They are known for their curiosity and playful nature. Swordtails can sometimes show a bit of aggression, particularly males towards one another, especially if there are too many in the same tank. They do best when kept in groups, where their active swimming behavior can be observed as they dart around the aquarium. While generally non-aggressive, they should not be kept with overly aggressive or territorial species.
Habitat: In their natural environment, Swordtails inhabit slow-moving rivers, streams, and lakes in Central America, particularly in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. They prefer areas with lush vegetation and moderate water flow. In the aquarium, Painted Swordtails will thrive in well-planted tanks that provide ample swimming space. They are adaptable to a variety of water conditions but prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with temperatures between 72°F and 82°F (22°C to 28°C).
Diet: Painted Swordtails are omnivores, with a varied diet that includes both plant matter and small invertebrates. In captivity, they will readily accept high-quality flake food, pellets, live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. They also enjoy eating algae and plant matter, so providing them with some fresh vegetables or blanched greens (such as spinach or zucchini) can benefit their health. A varied diet is important for maintaining their color and overall well-being.
Lifespan and Growth:
Painted Swordtails have a relatively short lifespan of about 3 to 5 years, though with optimal care, they can live longer. They grow relatively quickly, reaching their full size within 6 to 8 months. Their bright colors and distinctive tail become more pronounced as they mature, particularly in males. Swordtails are livebearers, meaning that they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. They are prolific breeders and can produce large batches of fry (baby fish), often resulting in a significant population growth in tanks.

Care in Aquariums:
Tank Size: Painted Swordtails are active fish that require adequate space to swim. A minimum of a 20-gallon (76-liter) tank is recommended for a small group of 4 to 6 Swordtails, but larger tanks are preferable for more extensive communities or if you plan to keep other fish species with them.
Water Conditions: These fish are hardy and adaptable but perform best in slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The water temperature should be between 72°F and 82°F (22°C to 28°C), and the water should be moderately hard. Regular water changes and good filtration are necessary to maintain water quality, as Swordtails can be sensitive to poor water conditions.
Tank Setup: Painted Swordtails prefer a well-planted tank with lots of swimming space. The plants provide hiding spots for the fish and their fry, which can be quite vulnerable. You can include floating plants or thick vegetation along the sides of the tank. A fine substrate or soft gravel is ideal, as it won’t harm their delicate fins or barbels. While Swordtails can tolerate a variety of tank environments, they do best in setups that replicate their natural habitat with some light current and areas of calm water.
Tankmates: Painted Swordtails are generally peaceful and do well in community tanks with other non-aggressive species. They can coexist with a variety of fish, including tetras, guppies, platies, and mollies. However, males can sometimes be territorial or aggressive toward each other, so it’s advisable to keep a higher ratio of females to males (around 2–3 females for every male) to minimize conflicts. Avoid keeping them with larger, more aggressive species that might bully them.

The Painted Swordtail is a stunning, active, and peaceful fish that makes an excellent addition to community aquariums. With their bright, vibrant colors, especially the males’ striking reds and oranges, they add a touch of beauty and excitement to any tank. These hardy fish are relatively easy to care for and can adapt to a range of water conditions, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Their playful nature, colorful appearance, and live-bearing reproduction make them an engaging species to keep. Whether in a species-specific tank or part of a peaceful community, Painted Swordtails thrive in well-planted aquariums with plenty of swimming space. With proper care, they will reward aquarists with a lively, colorful display for several years. Whether you're looking for a centerpiece fish or a vibrant addition to your tank, the Painted Swordtail is a delightful choice that is sure to impress.