About the Sanke Swordtail
name: sanke swordtail (xiphophorus hellerii)
max size: up to 5–6 inches, including the male's sword
water parameters: pH 7.0-8.2, temperature 72-82°F, moderately hard to hard water
diet: omnivorous – thrives on high quality flakes, pellets, spirulina-based foods, and vegetable matter; supplement with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms for optimal health and coloration
temperament: peaceful, active, and social; males may occasionally compete for dominance, especially when females are present; best kept in groups with more females than males
tank setup: planted aquarium of at least 30 gallons with plenty of open swimming space, moderate filtration, and areas of dense vegetation for shelter; a tightly fitting lid is essential because swordtails are excellent jumpers
compatibility: excellent with peaceful community fish such as mollies, platies, rainbowfish, larger tetras, peaceful barbs, and corydoras; avoid aggressive fish and persistent fin nippers that may damage the males' elongated tails
behavior: energetic swimmers that explore all levels of the aquarium, particularly the middle and upper regions; males frequently display their elongated sword-like tail extensions during courtship, while females give birth to fully developed, free-swimming fry
fun fact: sanke swordtails are named after the famous Taisho Sanke koi variety, featuring a beautiful combination of red, white, and black markings. Each fish develops its own unique pattern, making no two individuals exactly alike. Mature males also develop the signature sword-shaped tail extension that gives swordtails their name.
