Neon Swordtail

About the Neon Swordtail

The Neon Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) is a popular freshwater aquarium fish known for its vibrant colors and distinctive sword-like tail on males. It's a peaceful and easy-to-care-for species, making it a great choice for beginners. They are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. 

Because this species can get quite large in size (up to 4-5 inches in most captive specimens), it will need greater tank volumes compared to other livebearers. However, like most livebearers, Swordtails are fond of harder water parameters.

Husbandry & Care

Temperament: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 40 Gallons

Water Temperature: 61-82 °F

Water pH: 7.0-8.0

Social Group: Solitary or in a Colony; Ideally stock 2-3 females per male fish to mitigate harassment and courtship attempts

Diet: Omnivorous; Swordtails will readily consume commercial flakes/pellets, live baby brine shrimp or daphnia, algae, and frozen bloodworms/brine shrimp.

Compatible with: This species can coexist with Bristlenose Plecos, Catfish (Corydoradinae), Mollies, and other non-aggressive, fin nipping fish.