The swordtail fish, also known as Xipho, Portaespada or with its scientific name Xiphophorus Helleri, belong to the family of fish Poecillidae and to the order Cyprinodontiformes. These little fish originate from streams, rivers and lakes with very crystalline waters that have gentle currents, generally found in rivers in Central America. These little fish are characterized by having a robust tail, while the lower rays of the tail fin of the male fish extend in the shape of a sword, which is why they acquire this peculiar name.
La coloring of these animals, when they are in their natural habitat, it is green, however when they are in captivity, that is to say in aquariums and ponds, they tend to lose this coloration. Despite this, when they are in an aquarium they acquire a very varied coloration, ranging from red colors all over their body, to oranges with black edges on their tail. In the same way you can find albinos, neon blacks among others.
It should be noted that male swordtail fish can measure up to 8 centimeters without counting their tail, while females are usually a little larger measuring up to 12 centimeters. These animals have a sexual dimorphism, the males have the sword in their tail fin, while the females do not. However, the latter tend to be larger and more robust than males.
If you are thinking of having these fish in your aquarium, it is important that you bear in mind that the aquarium water temperature It should be between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius, while the pH should be between 7 and 8,3. In the same way, these little fish require an abundant space to be able to develop properly, in addition to abundant vegetation and more or less dark bottoms.
As for their feedingRemember that swordtails are omnivores, so the diet may be more varied, highlighting dry food, and plant food, such as spinach.