Best for
Aquariums where its role fits: community fish.
S
Fish · Freshwater
Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
The swordtail is a larger and more active livebearer than the platy. Males may compete and chase females, so volume and group ratio matter.
It does best in longer aquariums with mineralized water and planted areas that provide visual breaks.
Difficulty
Beginner
Aggression
4/10
Schooling
Low
Size
8.00 cm
Minimum volume
60 L
Temperature
20.0-26.0 ºC
Zone
Midwater
Lifespan
5 years
Quick profile scan
fish
Territoriality
Medium
Aggression
4/10
Activity
Fast
Thermal sensitivity
Medium
Bioload
High
Speed
Fast
Predation risk
None
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Check whether this species fits your aquarium
Analyze volume, parameters, behavior and relationships with other species.
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Quick verdict
A practical summary to quickly decide whether it fits your aquarium.
Avoid
Mixes marked as high risk or not recommended in manual relationships.
Compatible with
Has positive or conditional references with species such as Guppy.
Typical risk
Bioload and adult volume should be planned with margin.
Aquarium zone
Where it lives best
Surface
Midwater
primary
Bottom
Quick compatibility
Community signals
Shrimp
Compatible
Snails
Compatible
Slow fish
Compatible
Aggressive fish
Conditional
Small fish
Compatible
Large fish
Compatible
Delicate plants
Conditional
Buying decision
Before buying Swordtail
Review these points before adding it to your aquarium. They are practical notes based on its profile, ecological data, and known relationships.
L
Adult volume
Make sure your aquarium is above 60 L before buying it.
B
Bioload
Plan filtration, water changes, and total stocking: this species can heavily load the system.
Parameters
Water conditions
pH
7.0 - 8.2
GH
10 - 25
KH
5 - 15
Temperature
20.0 - 26.0 ºC
Growth and behavior
Juvenile to adult
Juvenile
As a juvenile it is usually more flexible and less dominant than an adult. Even so, it benefits from cover, stable parameters and tank mates that do not compete intensely in the midwater area.
Shift
The transition to adulthood usually brings more stable behavior when group size, space and parameters are suitable.
Adult
As an adult it behaves as a community fish and needs space, tank mates and activity level to be well balanced. Its impact increases when bioload or competition is high.
Ecological profile
Role and biological pressure
Community Fish
Community Fish
Medium
High
Moderate
None
Profile: community fish, with high bioload and primary use of the midwater area. It does not rely on a strong school, but it still needs a balanced community without harassment. Compatibility mostly depends on stable parameters, adequate space and tank mates with a similar activity level.
Ecological radar
profile
Territoriality
52%
Aggression
40%
Activity
78%
Thermal sensitivity
52%
Bioload
78%
Common mistakes
What to avoid
Keeping it in tanks below the recommended adult volume.
Relations
Compatible with
✓
Guppy
Conditional
Main risk: Water parameters
Review conditions
Poecilia Reticulata + Xiphophorus hellerii: size difference, activity level or space pressure may cause stress, competition or insufficient usable room.
Relations
Avoid keeping with
!
G
Goldfish
High risk
Main risk: Thermal stress
High risk
Carassius auratus + Xiphophorus hellerii: this combines coldwater or temperate species with tropical species that need different temperatures.
Essential care
Provide swimming space, a secure lid and well-planned groups. Avoid nano tanks and very slow tankmates. Control breeding and bioload, especially in communities with other livebearers.
Daily time
10 min
Related biomes
Breeding
A prolific livebearer. Females give birth to live fry and may store sperm. Separating sexes or planning rehoming prevents overcrowding.
Viviparous
Easy
Machos con gonopodio. Hembras más grandes y redondeadas
Alerts and health
- Plantas
- Espacio para nadar
- Agua limpia
Common issues
Ich
Parásitos
Expert notes
Interesting details
01
Es una especie muy popular en acuariofilia
02
Se aprecia más cuando se mantiene correctamente
Editorial confidence
Last review: June 2026
Content based on parameters, ecological profiles and manual relationships.
Profile data
Ecological profile
Manual relationships
General aquarium observation
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