Swordtail
A lively livebearer known for the male's sword-like tail. Hardy, active, and great for community tanks, but can breed quickly.
tankSize
75L (20 gal) minimum
careLevel
Beginner
temperature
22 to 27C
temperament
Semi-peaceful
diet
Flakes or pellets plus vegetables and frozen foods
lifespan
3 to 5 years
aloneOrCommunity
Community
weeklyMaintenance
Water changes and plant upkeep
Best for
- Beginner community tanks
- Owners who enjoy active fish
- Planted aquariums with open swimming space
- People comfortable managing livebearer breeding
Not ideal for
- Very small tanks
- Owners who do not want breeding
- Tanks with aggressive fin-nippers
- Overstocked setups
Temperament
- Active and generally peaceful
- Males can spar; extra space reduces stress
- Does best with a balanced male-to-female ratio
Daily routine
feeding: Feed once or twice daily; include occasional vegetable matter.
check: Watch for chasing and ensure all fish get food.
enrichment: Plants provide cover for females and fry.
Living fit
smallHome: Works in a mid-sized tank with stable routines.
kids: Fun to watch and easy to feed with supervision.
firstTimeOwner: Great beginner fish if you plan for breeding.
Health notes
- Hardy but sensitive to poor water quality.
- Breeding can quickly increase bioload.
- Maintain good filtration and regular water changes.
Cost and time
time: Low daily time; standard weekly maintenance.
cost: Affordable fish; moderate setup cost for tank size.
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