Swordtail
Livebearer; males have sword tail; jumpers (lid)
Overview
The Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a Freshwater (Tropical) fish growing to about 4–5.5 in and living 3–5 yrs. It's peaceful (active) and best kept in a group. Plan a tank of at least 20 gal. With a typical lifespan of around 4 years, it's a shorter commitment.
Is the Swordtail right for you?
A good match if — you're new to fishkeeping and want a hardy species; you want a calm community tank.
What a Swordtail needs from you
The ongoing work is water quality: filtration, regular water changes and stable parameters. As a tropical fish it needs a stable, heated tank. Don't undersize the tank (minimum about 20 gal).
Key facts
- Water type
- Freshwater (Tropical)
- Scientific name
- Xiphophorus hellerii
- Adult size
- 4–5.5 in
- Life span
- 3–5 yrs
- Temperament
- peaceful (active)
- Social needs
- groups
- Min. tank
- 20 gal
- Care level
- beginner
- Notes
- Livebearer; males have sword tail; jumpers (lid)
What it needs from you (at a glance)
| Space needed | |
| Experience needed | |
| Maintenance | |
| Time per day | |
| Need for company | |
| Handling / closeness | |
| Cost level |
What it costs
Scaled to this breed’s roughly 60 g and a ~4-year life, keeping a Swordtail works out at about:
Rough cross-breed averages in USD — a planning guide, not a quote. Break it down by life phase in the Cost Calculator →
Temperament (at a glance)
| Affection | no data yet |
| Energy | no data yet |
| Vocalness | |
| Trainability | no data yet |
| Tolerates alone | no data yet |