Velvet Red Swordtail Care Guide
The Velvet Red is a solid deep-red colour strain of the green swordtail, Xiphophorus hellerii, an active livebearer from Central America needing a roomy tank.
Overview
The Velvet Red swordtail is a selectively bred, solid deep-red colour strain of the green swordtail, Xiphophorus hellerii, a livebearer of the family Poeciliidae from Central America. Males are distinguished by the characteristic extension of the lower lobe of the caudal fin, the "sword". It is an active fish requiring more space than a guppy or platy.
Taxonomy
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Genus: Xiphophorus
- Scientific name: Xiphophorus hellerii var. Red
- Strain: selectively bred colour form
Habitat
The green swordtail is native to North and Central America, from the Río Nantla in Veracruz, Mexico, to northwestern Honduras. Adults inhabit rapidly flowing streams and rivers with dense vegetation, as well as warm springs and weedy canals.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.5
- GH: 10-25 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
The swordtail is an omnivore. Wild populations consume aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, organic detritus, algae and plant material. In the aquarium it is unfussy and benefits from a balanced diet of good-quality dried foods together with small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia and Artemia.
Compatibility
Swordtails are generally peaceful but males establish dominance hierarchies in confined spaces and may spend considerable time maintaining their position. Keeping a higher ratio of females to males and providing swimming space and vegetation helps reduce harassment.
Breeding
Xiphophorus hellerii is a livebearer. Females can store viable sperm for months and, according to FishBase, produce 20-200 young after a gestation of about 24-30 days. Females select males based on traits including sword length, coloration and body size.
Conservation status
According to FishBase, Xiphophorus hellerii is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessed 2018).