Swordtail red
Red swordsman, scientific name Xiphophorus-hellerii (Red breed), belongs to the Poeciliidae family. Supposed to be a hybrid between the Green Swordtail and the Red Pecilia. The solid bright red or orange coloring of the body and fins is inherited from the latter. The edge of the “sword” may have a black border. Females, like males, have a similar coloration, but the colors are not as saturated.
Brief information:
- The volume of the aquarium – from 100 liters.
- Temperature – 16-28°C
- Value pH — 7.0–8.0
- Water hardness – soft to high (10-30 dGH)
- Substrate type – any
- Lighting – moderate or bright
- Brackish water is permissible in a salt concentration of up to 15 g per 1 liter
- Water movement – light or moderate
- The size of the fish is 14–16 cm.
- Food – any food
- Temperament – peaceful
- Content alone, in pairs or in a group
Maintenance and care
The fish inherited from its ancestors endurance and unpretentiousness to the conditions of detention. A comfortable habitat is achieved in a spacious aquarium with clean water, peaceful neighbors and regular feeding of quality food.
For 3-4 fish, an aquarium with a size of 100 liters or more is enough. The design is arbitrary and is selected at the discretion of the aquarist. Aquarium maintenance is standard and similar to keeping other fish species. Includes: weekly replacement of part of the water with fresh water, removal of organic waste and preventive maintenance of equipment. Thanks to the ability to live in a wide range of pH and GH values, the water treatment process is noticeably simplified. Sometimes it is enough to let the water settle before using it in the aquarium.
If breeding is planned, and this is likely to happen in the presence of a sexually mature male and female, it is recommended to provide places for fry to hide. For example, thickets of small-leaved plants can serve as a refuge.
It is worth noting that the Red Swordsman can produce joint offspring with other breeds. To avoid unplanned hybridization, different populations should be kept separate.
In view of the close relationship with the Green Swordsman, its description can be used as more detailed information about the features of the content, behavior and reproduction of the Red Swordsman.
