INDEX
SWORDTAIL (POECILIIDAE)
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THE FISH
Green Swordtail
Xiphophorus helleri
| HABITS |
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These colourful and easy to keep, live bearing fish have always been in the fishkeepers list of top ten because of the splendor of the mature males, who carry their sword extensions to their tail fins. These fish are generally very friendly towards other fish, but you can experience the odd aggressive male. They are best kept with a higher ratio of females to males, which can lessen the tension. However, do not put large swordfish with very tiny fish or they will eat the little guys. With many colour variations available today, these make a good choice for your community aquarium. They enjoy a planted tank and need vegetation in their diets. They are also good jumpers, so keep those lids on tight!
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| SIZE |
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Male fish grow to around 4 inches while the females are a little larger.
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| FOOD |
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See recommended sera Foods below,
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FOOD
TYPES |
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| SEXING |
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The "sword", which is an extension of the caudal fin, is one of the most striking physical characteristics possessed by the male. As with all live bearers, the male fish has a gonopodium, while the female has a triangular anal fin.
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| BREEDING |
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These fish produce broods of young on an average of every four to six weeks. They should be separated from the main community or the young run the risk of being eaten. A sera breeding net, hooked into the main aquarium, is a good place to grow the young until they are old enough to be released back into the main aquarium. These fish can regularly produce broods of 20 to 100 young at a time.
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The Fish
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