Black Swordtail (Xyphophorus helleri)
Care level: Easy
Max Size: 14cm
Diet: Omnivore
Temp: 15-28°C
PH: 7-8
Purchase size: 4-5cm
The Black Swordtail is an aquarium staple for both beginner and experienced aquarists. They are a fairly peaceful livebearer that appreciates a cooler aquarium. The aquarium should be at least 3ft long due to their eventual adult size. The addition of plants will make the tank feel more like home, but there should be plenty of open swimming space.
Swords can be kept in community aquariums as long as there are no fish that are small enough to be eaten. Tank mates must be able to appreciate higher pH as it is important for the health of the swords. They can be kept with certain central american cichlids such as firemouths and T-Bar cichlids. Other livebearers also make great tank mates. If a group of swords is being kept together, it is recommended that the females largely outnumber the males and in smaller aquaria, there should be only one male as they can become overly competitive towards each other.
Food can be offered in the form of tropical pellets as well as fresh and frozen fish foods like mysis, brine shrimp, blood worm and mosquito larvae.
