Velvet Red Wag Sword

Scientific Name: Xiphophorus helleri
Recommended Aquarium: 20+ gallons
Approx. Adult Size: 3 inches
Temperament: Peaceful
Ease of Care: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Native Waters: Central America

The Swordtail has very obvious differences between the males and females. The male will have a tubular anal fin, also called the gonopodium. More obvious, the tail will have a long "sword” extension along the bottom edge. This sword can almost equal the body length of the fish. Females will have a standard rounded tail fin and anal fin. The Swordtails prefer open water with cover along the edges of the tank. Males are sometime intolerant of other males, so they should be kept as a pair, or better yet, as a trio, one male and two females. Traditionally this fish is considered an herbivore, but it is a feeder of opportunity and in a community aquarium this fish should be considered an omnivore.

Approximate arrival size for Velvet Red Wag Sword: 1.5 to 2.5 inches