Scientific Name: Xiphophorus helleri
Common Name: Marigold Swordtail
Adult Size: 3 inches
Life Expectancy: 5 years
Habitat: Central America
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Ideal Tank Conditions:
- Temperature Range: 64 - 82°F
-
pH Range: 7.0 - 8.3
- Water Hardness: 12 - 30
Temperament: Generally peaceful, however, males can be aggressive towards each other, so it is recommended to keep only one male in a tank unless the tank is large enough to accommodate multiple males.
Diet & Nutrition: Omnivore that will eat commercially prepared flaked foods, freeze dried bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, as well as algae.
Breeding & Spawning: Livebearers and relatively easy to breed. Females can give birth to several dozen fry at once. It is recommended to keep males and females in a ratio of 1:2 to ensure successful breeding.
Gender: Males are typically larger and more colorful than females. The anal fin of males is also modified into a "sword" shape, while females have a more triangular shape.
