Freshwater Swordtails

Freshwater Swordtails

Fabulous fencers - begin your aquarist journey with our range of easy and entertaining swordtails.

Swordtails belong to the Poeciliidae family, shared with mollies, guppies and platys. As livebearers, they are prolific breeders and an ideal starting point for anyone interested in aquarium breeding.

They come in a wide range of colours and are known for the elongated lower section of their caudal fin, which gives them their signature "sword". Swordtails can reach around 14 cm (5.5') and may live for up to five years.

Swordtail Care

Swordtails are low-maintenance and tolerant of various water parameters and peaceful tankmates. Though generally hardy, they may rarely encounter conditions such as livebearer wasting disease. They are well suited to community tanks with other gentle species. Popular favourites include the wagtail pineapple swordtail and red swordtails, or you may choose our mixed option in the assorted swordtails pack.

Swordtails Natural Habitat

Swordtails originate from North and Central America, stretching from the southern USA to Mexico, Honduras and nearby regions. They favour freshwater streams rich in plant life and have also been observed in mildly brackish areas downstream.

Swordtail Behaviour & Compatibility

Swordtails are peaceful and easy-going, though males may occasionally display territorial behaviour, especially during breeding. Keeping more females than males helps keep groups calm. While not true shoaling fish, groups of five or more help them feel secure.

Avoid housing them with larger, aggressive fish. Compatible tankmates include mollies, danios, tetras, Corydoras and Angelfish.

Swordtail Fish Tank Set-up Tips

• Tank

  Swordtails do well in groups but may also be kept singly. A single fish can be housed in tanks from 57 litres (15 gallons) upwards. They enjoy long tanks with good swimming space, and a lid is recommended as they may jump. Aim for a ratio of one male to at least two females, with more females preferred.

  Recommended Max Fish Count	Tank Volume
  1 Swordtail	57 litres (15 gallons)
  3-5 Swordtails	86 litres (19 gallons)
  6 Swordtails	136 litres (30 gallons)
  8 Swordtails	160 litres (35 gallons)

• Base

  Your choice of substrate is flexible, as swordtails rarely spend time near the bottom. Choose based on the needs of other species in your tank or the overall look you prefer. Sand can replicate their natural streams, provided it suits your wider community.

• Foliage

  Swordtails enjoy open water but still require hiding spaces for resting. Plants such as Java Moss or Crested Java Fern are ideal. You can also include driftwood and rocks to create natural cover.

• Water

  Swordtails tolerate a broad temperature range of 18-27°C (64.4-80.6°F). Depending on your climate, you may require a water heater to maintain this range.

  Ideal parameters include a pH of 5.5-7.8 and hardness between 5-15 dGH. Use a testing kit to monitor your water and perform regular water changes (25% weekly or 50% fortnightly).

  Clean the substrate regularly and treat tap water accordingly using our water conditioning products.

Feeding and Care

Swordtails are omnivores and require a mix of plant- and protein-rich foods. High-quality flakes or slow-sinking pellets work well as staples. Supplement with live or frozen foods such as insect larvae, brine shrimp and bloodworms. For vegetable matter, algae wafers are perfect. Feed small portions twice daily and ensure all food is consumed within two minutes.

Great Reasons to Keep Swordtails

• They are easy to care for and tolerate a broad temperature range.
• Prolific breeding makes them ideal for beginner aquarists exploring livebearer breeding.
• Calm, confident swimmers that add colour and movement to any peaceful community aquarium.

Browse our range of colourful and easy-care swordtails at our online fish shop.