Painted Swordtail Xiphophorus hellri

Common Name Painted Swordtail

Scientific Name Xiphophorus hellri

Family Poeciliidae

Community General

Class Swords

Temperature 78 ºF

Swimming Range Top-Middle

Adult Length 4-4 1/2 inches

Feeding Habits Live blood worms, glass worms, brine shrimp and tubifex worms. Frozen vegetable diet, beef heart, brine shrimp, daphnia, plankton, blood worms and glass worms. Freeze dried and flake foods are also accepted.

Compatibility Peaceful and schooling fish. Males should be outnumbered by the females two to one.

Habitat Central America: Moderately decorated with rocks, live plants and driftwood.

Breeding Males have the extension on their tail fins. Livebearers that can produced up to 80 offspring at a time. The fry may be eaten by their parents and other fish in the aquarium so they should be separated.

Additional Comments Many color and fin variations have been produced by commercial breeders.