Red Comet Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) 5cm

Red Comet Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii var. "Red") is a vibrant and hardy freshwater livebearer, ideal for both beginner and experienced aquarists. 

Appearance & Traits

• Coloration: Bright red body with a streamlined shape and a long, sword-like extension on the male's caudal fin. The "Comet" name often refers to the vivid coloration and energetic swimming style.
• Size: Up to 14 cm (5.5 inches) in length 
• Sexual Dimorphism:
  • Males: Feature a long sword-like tail and a gonopodium (modified anal fin for mating).
  • Females: Larger, rounder, and lack the sword extension 

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20–30 gallons for a small group 
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 65–82°F (18–28°C)
  • pH: 7.0–8.0
  • Hardness: 12–30 dGH
• Aquascaping:
  • Prefer moderate vegetation, rocky substrates, and gentle water flow.
  • Avoid driftwood that releases tannins, which can acidify the water 

Diet

• Omnivorous: Thrive on a varied diet including:
  • High-quality flakes, pellets, granules
  • Frozen/live foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia
  • Vegetables: spirulina, blanched spinach, peas
• Feed 2–3 small meals daily, removing uneaten food promptly 

Behavior & Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful and social; great for community tanks 
• Tank Mates:
  • Good: Guppies, mollies, platies, tetras, corydoras, rasboras
  • Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping species
• Social Structure: Best kept in groups with 1 male to 3–4 females to reduce stress and aggression

Breeding

• Livebearers: Females give birth to live fry every 4–6 weeks 
• Fry Care:
  • Provide plants or breeding boxes for fry protection.
  • Feed fry newly hatched brine shrimp and finely crushed flakes.
  • Growth can be boosted with protein-rich diets and regular water changes