Swordtail Care Guide
The Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a colourful and active tropical freshwater fish popular in the UK. Known for the male's distinctive sword-like tail extension, swordtails are hardy livebearers that work well in community aquariums.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about swordtail care, including tank size, water conditions, compatibility, breeding, and typical UK prices - plus how to buy or sell them locally.
Quick facts about Swordtails
Swordtails are livebearing fish native to Central America. Males are recognised by the long "sword" extension on the lower tail fin, while females are larger and lack the sword shape.
They are energetic, peaceful fish available in many colour varieties.
Xiphophorus hellerii
8-14 cm (including sword tail)
Central America (Mexico, Belize, Honduras)
90L (24gal)
3-5 years
Peaceful, active
22-28°C
Omnivore (flakes, pellets, frozen, vegetable matter)
7.0-8.2
£3-£10 per fish
How Many Swordtails Should You Keep?
Swordtails are social fish and should be kept in groups.
- A minimum group of 5-6 is recommended
- Keep more females than males (ideally 2-3 females per male)
- Provide plenty of swimming space
Keeping too many males together can lead to:
- Chasing and displays
- Stress for females
- Territorial behaviour
They are active swimmers and appreciate larger aquariums.
Ideal Tank Conditions for Swordtails
Providing the right environment helps swordtails stay healthy and display vibrant colours.
- Tank Setup: Spacious community aquarium with open swimming areas
- Substrate: Gravel or sand substrate
- Plants & Decor: Live plants and floating plants with open swimming space
- Water Conditions: Slightly hard, alkaline water preferred
- Filtration & Flow: Moderate filtration with gentle to moderate flow
- Lighting: Moderate lighting
A secure lid is recommended, as swordtails can jump.
Compatibility with Other Fish
Swordtails are peaceful and suitable for community aquariums.
- Good Tankmates: platies, mollies, tetras, rainbowfish, corydoras catfish, and peaceful gouramis
- Avoid: aggressive fish and fin-nipping species
They are active fish that do best with similarly energetic tankmates.
Are Swordtails Easy to Care For?
Swordtails are easy to care for and ideal for beginners.
They require:
- Stable water quality
- A varied diet
- Plenty of swimming space
- Peaceful tankmates
They are hardy and adaptable when properly maintained.
Swordtail Price in the UK
In the UK, swordtails typically cost between £3-£10 per fish.
Prices vary depending on:
- Colour variety
- Size and sex
- Availability
- Shop vs hobbyist sellers
Rare colour strains may cost more.
Where to Buy Swordtails in the UK
Swordtails are widely available in UK aquarium shops and from hobbyist breeders.
Sourcing fish locally can:
- Reduce transport stress
- Allow you to assess colour and health
- Offer better value
TankMate UK helps connect fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely - without shipping.
Can You Sell Swordtails?
Yes - swordtails are commonly bred and sold by hobbyists.
Selling locally is often the best option, as it:
- Minimises stress for the fish
- Avoids the risks of shipping
- Connects you with other hobbyists
TankMate UK allows you to list fish quickly and find local buyers.
Breeding Swordtails
Swordtails are livebearers and breed very easily.
Key Tips
- Keep more females than males
- Provide plants for fry cover
- Gestation lasts around 4 weeks
- Females give birth to live young
Adults may eat fry unless hiding spaces are provided.
Common Problems with Swordtails
Stress or chasing, often caused by:
- Too many males
- Insufficient females
Fin damage, linked to:
- Aggressive tankmates
- Fin-nipping species
Jumping from tanks, caused by:
- Startling or stress
- Open-top aquariums
Why Swordtails Are So Popular
- Distinctive sword-shaped tail
- Bright colours and active behaviour
- Easy to care for and breed
- Hardy beginner-friendly fish
- Excellent community species
When kept correctly, swordtails bring colour and constant movement to community aquariums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are hardy and beginner-friendly.
At least 5-6, with more females than males.
Yes, they are prolific livebearers.
At least 90 litres, with plenty of swimming space.
Looking to Buy or Sell Swordtails Locally?
TankMate UK connects fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely within their local area.
Whether you're adding colourful livebearers to your aquarium or passing fish on to a new home, you can:
- Browse fish available near you
- List your own fish in minutes
- Avoid the risks of shipping
Explore local listings with TankMate UK and find the right fish for your aquarium.