Tuxedo Swordtail

🔥 Tuxedo Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
Add bold contrast and elegant movement to your aquarium with the striking Tuxedo Swordtail. Known for their distinctive two-tone body pattern—typically a dark “tuxedo” rear fading into a lighter front—these active livebearers bring both colour and energy to any freshwater setup. Males are especially eye-catching, displaying their signature elongated “sword” tail fin.

A long-standing favourite in UK aquatics, Swordtails are hardy, adaptable, and perfect for aquarists looking for a lively yet peaceful community fish.

🌿 Why Choose Tuxedo Swordtail?
⚫ Unique tuxedo-style two-tone body pattern
⚔️ Males feature iconic extended sword tail fin
🐠 Active, confident, and constantly on display
🌱 Ideal for community and planted aquariums
⭐ Hardy and beginner-friendly livebearer

Their graceful swimming style and striking contrast make them a standout species in medium to large aquariums.

📏 Care Requirements
🧬 Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii
📛 Common Name: Tuxedo Swordtail
🏠 Tank Size: 60L+ recommended
🌡️ Temperature: 22–28°C
⚗️ pH Range: 7.0–8.4
🧘 Temperament: Peaceful (can be slightly territorial among males)
🍽️ Diet: Flake food, pellets, vegetable matter, frozen & live foods
👥 Group Size: 1 male with multiple females or small groups

Tuxedo Swordtails thrive in well-planted aquariums with open swimming space. A mix of plants and clear areas allows them to display natural behaviour and vibrant colouration.

🐠 Compatibility
Excellent for peaceful community aquariums with platies, mollies, guppies, tetras, rasboras, shrimp, and snails. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Important Notes
As livebearers, Swordtails breed readily when males and females are kept together. Providing dense planting or breeding spaces will help fry survival.

The Tuxedo Swordtail is a fantastic choice for UK fishkeepers wanting a hardy, elegant, and active fish that adds strong contrast and movement to any community aquarium.