{"product_id":"orange-wagtail-swordtail-xiphophorus-hellerii","title":"Orange Wagtail Swordtail | Xiphophorus hellerii","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orange Wagtail Swordtail is a striking livebearer with a warm orange body set off by jet-black fins and, in males, the long trailing \"sword\" that gives the species its name. Bold, active and hardy, it is a community classic that is as easy to keep as it is eye-catching. Including the sword, males reach around 14 cm, so it appreciates a roomy tank with space to swim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is native to fast-flowing, hard, mineral-rich streams and rivers of Central America, from Mexico to Honduras. Its origins in warm, well-oxygenated, alkaline water explain why swordtails thrive in harder water and enjoy a gentle current in the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wagtail pattern pairs a solid orange body with contrasting black fins and, in this case, a black-edged sword. Mature males develop the elongated lower tail extension, while females are fuller-bodied and lack the sword. Both are lively, robust fish that show excellent colour in good conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful and sociable in a community, though males can be boisterous and will spar with one another over females. Keeping a group with more females than males, or a single male, reduces squabbling. They are active, confident fish that suit a busy, hard-water community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn omnivore that readily takes flake, pellet, frozen and live foods, and grazes algae. Include plenty of vegetable matter in the diet, as swordtails naturally consume a good deal of plant material and algae. A varied diet keeps their colour bright and their digestion healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide at least 75 litres, ideally 110 litres or more, with hard, slightly alkaline water and a secure lid — swordtails are accomplished jumpers and will leap from an open tank. They are hardy and adaptable but appreciate stable conditions, good filtration and regular water changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwordtails are prolific livebearers that give birth to free-swimming fry roughly every four to six weeks. They breed with no encouragement in a healthy tank, so provide dense planting for the fry to hide, as adults will eat them. Females can also store sperm and produce several broods from one mating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrange Wagtail Swordtail, Swordtail\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCentral America (Mexico to Honduras)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 14 cm including the sword (males); females to about 12 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–5 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (community); males can be boisterous with each other\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e110 litres or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore – flake, pellet, frozen foods and vegetable matter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22–28 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.0–8.3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12–30 dGH (hard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater; tolerates a little salt)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHard-water community aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes – grazes algae but does not harm healthy plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther livebearers such as platies, mollies and guppies, plus peaceful hard-water fish like rainbowfish, larger tetras, Corydoras and bristlenose catfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFin-nippers that target the sword, aggressive cichlids, and soft-water specialists needing very different chemistry. Keep only one male, or several females per male, to limit sparring.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232793411875,"sku":"BA9208-S","price":9.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232793444643,"sku":"BA9208","price":14.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232793477411,"sku":"BA9208-L","price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/orange-wagtail-swordtail-xip-43883241603363.webp?v=1790305825","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/orange-wagtail-swordtail-xiphophorus-hellerii","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}