Red Lyretail Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) - Live Fish

Red Lyretail Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
Graceful fins, fiery color, and endless energy.

The Red Lyretail Swordtail is a stunning variety of swordtail fish, featuring a deep crimson body and elegantly extended lyre-shaped tail fins that flow beautifully as it swims. This peaceful, active livebearer is perfect for adding vivid color and movement to any freshwater community aquarium. Hardy and beginner-friendly, it’s a striking addition that’s also easy to care for.

🔍 Quick Facts:

• Common Name: Red Lyretail Swordtail

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii

• Origin: Central America (captive-bred strain)

• Size: 4–5 inches

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Difficulty: Easy

🏡 Tank Setup & Requirements:

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons

• Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

• pH: 7.0–8.2

• Water Hardness: Moderate to hard

• Environment:

  • Live or artificial plants for hiding and breeding

  • Open space for active swimming

  • Ideal for community tanks with peaceful fish like mollies, guppies, platies, and cory cats

🍽️ Diet:
Omnivorous and unfussy:

• High-quality flake or pellet food

• Supplement with frozen or live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms)

• Vegetable matter (spirulina flakes or blanched greens) supports vibrant color

🐣 Breeding Info:

• Livebearer; females birth live fry

• Easy to breed with proper male-to-female ratio (1:2–3)

• Provide dense plant cover or breeding boxes for fry protection

• Lyretail trait is more decorative and may result in slightly lower fertility in males

🌟 Fun Facts:

• “Lyretail” refers to the extended edges of both the upper and lower tail fin lobes — resembling a lyre instrument

• The red coloration is intensified with a high-quality diet and proper lighting

• Swordtails are known to “sword dance,” where males flash their tails to attract mates

💡 Pro Tip:
Avoid keeping multiple males in small tanks to prevent territorial behavior. Offer plenty of space and cover to reduce stress.

🔥 Make a bold, elegant statement in your aquarium with the Red Lyretail Swordtail — a top choice for color, grace, and easy maintenance.

🛒 Add to cart and bring home the fire today!