Swordtail care

Xiphophorus hellerii · Freshwater · Beginner level care

A fast, hardy livebearer with a long sword on the male tail.

Smallest tank30 gallons

Adult size5 inches

Temperature68 to 80°F

pH7 to 8.2

GroupA group of 3 or more

TemperamentPeaceful

SwimsMiddle of the tank

Lives3 to 5 years

Watch for: Males fight, so keep only one male with several females.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish. Flakes, small pellets, blanched vegetables.

Jumps. Keep a tight lid on the tank.

Fish that pass every check with Swordtail in a 60 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Discus: Discus and Swordtail need different water temperatures.
Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Swordtail.
Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey is aggressive and will bully peaceful Swordtail.
Green Terror: Green Terror is aggressive and will bully peaceful Swordtail.
Red Zebra Cichlid: Red Zebra Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Swordtail.
Cobalt Blue Zebra: Cobalt Blue Zebra is aggressive and will bully peaceful Swordtail.
Kenyi Cichlid: Kenyi Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Swordtail.
Demasoni Cichlid: Demasoni Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Swordtail.

What size tank does a Swordtail need?

At least 30 gallons for a group of 3. Adults grow to about 5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Swordtail like?

68 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 7 to 8.2. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Swordtail should I keep together?

Keep 3 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Swordtail eat?

Flakes, small pellets, blanched vegetables. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish.

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.