Blue Swordtail – Xiphophorus hellerii – 4 cm

€2.90

VAT included

The Blue Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a captive-bred variety characterised by attractive sky-blue colouration with red markings. In mature males, the lower part of the caudal fin develops into the distinctive elongated “sword” that gives the species its common name.

Active, robust and livebearing, the Blue Swordtail benefits from a spacious aquarium combining planted areas with plenty of open swimming space.

The specimens offered are approximately 4 cm.

Conditionnement

Blue Swordtail – Xiphophorus hellerii

The Blue Swordtail is a captive-bred variety of Xiphophorus hellerii. This attractive form is characterised by sky-blue colouration combined with red markings or edging.

In mature males, the lower part of the caudal fin gradually extends to form the characteristic “sword”. Young males may therefore not yet display a fully developed sword when offered for sale.

The specimens offered here are approximately 4 cm.

Adult Size

The Blue Swordtail generally reaches approximately 7 to 10 cm as an adult, excluding part of the elongated sword in mature males. Size varies according to sex and individual, with females generally developing a more robust body.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 22 to 28 °C
pH: 7 to 8.5
Hardness: moderately hard to hard water
Nitrite: 0 mg/L

Nitrite should remain undetectable. Swordtails benefit from clean, stable and properly filtered water.

What Size Aquarium for Blue Swordtails?

Xiphophorus hellerii is an active and strong-swimming fish. An aquarium at least 80 to 100 cm long provides a much better basis for long-term maintenance than a small aquarium.

Planted areas provide useful shelter, particularly for females and young fish, while part of the aquarium should remain open to provide plenty of swimming space.

Behaviour and Group Keeping

Blue Swordtails can be kept in small groups. When both sexes are present, it is preferable to keep several females for each male to distribute the male's attention.

Several males may also establish a social hierarchy. A sufficiently spacious and well-structured aquarium is therefore important when keeping several individuals together.

They can live alongside many active, peaceful species with compatible water requirements.

Feeding

The Swordtail is an omnivorous fish with an important plant-based component. In the wild, its diet includes small invertebrates, larvae, algae and various types of plant material.

In the aquarium, it readily accepts pellets and flakes. A varied diet including plant-based foods as well as suitable frozen or live foods provides useful dietary variety.