golden swordsman

The golden swordtail, scientific name Xiphophorus signum, belongs to the Poeciliidae family. Translated from Latin, “signum” means “sign” or “distinctive feature”, which indicates the presence of a characteristic black mark on the lower base of the tail. It is most clearly manifested in females, in males it merges with a black border stretching along the edge of the “sword”. It is on this basis that one can distinguish the Golden Swordsman from other species and decorative breeds that have a similar yellow body color.

Habitat

This species is native to Central America. The fish inhabits small river systems, such as Chahmaik-Kahbon and Pasion, flowing mainly in the department of Alta Verapaz in Guatemala. They are found in areas with fast currents and dense thickets of aquatic plants, where they find shelter and food.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 100 liters.
• Temperature – 24-28°C
• Value pH — 7.0–8.0
• Water hardness – from medium to high hardness (10–20 dGH)
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – moderate or bright
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – moderate
• The size of the fish is 7–10 cm.
• Food – any food
• Temperament – peaceful
• Content alone, in pairs or in a group

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of the aquarium for a group of 3-4 fish starts from 100 liters. In the design, it is necessary to provide places for shelters. A good choice would be a dense planting of unpretentious plants, including floating ones. The presence of an internal current is welcome, keeping the fish in good shape.

The golden swordsman needs warm alkaline water of high hardness. Sensitive to organic contaminants. It is important to provide clean water and prevent the accumulation of uneaten food, excrement. Regular maintenance of the aquarium, along with the smooth operation of the filtration system, will help maintain water quality at the proper level.

Food. An omnivorous species, they will accept popular food intended for aquarium fish. Feed once or twice a day in an amount eaten in about five minutes. You can’t overfeed. Swordtails are always hungry and can eat constantly, which will inevitably lead to obesity and health problems.

Behavior and Compatibility

Calmly relate to representatives of other species. Compatible with all fish that do not try to eat them and are able to live in similar conditions. There are no intraspecific conflicts. However, males tend to compete with each other. In a small aquarium, the rivalry becomes unnecessarily hostile, so one male should be surrounded by several females.

Breeding / breeding

The golden swordsman does not spawn. Females give birth to fully formed fry, ready for independent life. For this reason, breeding is considered very simple and accessible even to beginner aquarists.

Under favorable conditions, fry will appear every 1-2 months. To save the offspring, it is moved to a separate tank in order to avoid predation by adult fish.