How many types of swordtails are there?
Green swordtailSouthern platyfishVariable platyfishNorthern platyfishYellow swordtailChiapas swordtail
Xiphophorus/Lower classifications
What colors do swordtails come in?
Its colours vary. Caught from the wild, the body of the swordtail is generally olive green with yellow and red streaks along its two sides. The wild type of this fish is called Red Swordtail or Green Swordtail. For some very rare varieties, one would observe colourful and vibrant spots dotting the fins.
Will different types of swordtails breed?
Genetic Component In these cases, the basic raw materials are provided by nature itself because swordtails and platies are very closely related to each other. They belong to the Xiphophorus genus, and because of their “biological proximity,” they can easily interbreed and produce viable hybrids in the process.
How do you tell the difference between male and female swordtails?
Only male swordtails have the tail fin extension. Females have a rounded tail fin. Females’ bodies are also more rounded, fuller and about one-half-inch longer at maturity.
What is kohaku swordtail?
The Kohaku Swordtail is a popular color morph of this type of freshwater fish. Also known as a Koi Swordtail, the semi-transparent body is a fantastic addition to any aquarium. Minimum tank size: 30 gallons. – Prefers a well planted aquarium with room for swimming.
Do all male swordtails have swords?
Almost all males have a sword-like appendage, although size can vary from species to species and even colour variants.
Can guppies and swordtails breed?
Guppies and Swordtails are livebearers which means that their babies come out swimming. Like most livebearers, there is not much to getting your guppies or swordtail to breed. If you have a male and a female then you will eventually have a pregnant female.
Can you keep 2 male swordtails?
It is possible to keep multiple males and females together in the same tank provided you have a large aquarium, heavily planted and decorated to provide sufficient hiding places. Make sure your tank is at least 50 gallons and you provide two or three females for each male in the tank.
Can male swordtails turn into females?
No, female Swordtails can’t change their gender. When there is a dominant male in a group of Swordtails, other less dominant males hold back their development, giving the appearance they are female.
How long swordtail fish are pregnant?
28 days
Like other livebearing aquarium fish, swordtails (Xiphophorus hellerii) give birth to live young, or fry, rather than laying eggs. Although the swordtail’s gestation period is 28 days, it may be difficult to determine when she became pregnant.
Can you put guppies with swordtails?
Guppies and swordtails can easily coexist with each other and other fish species, provided they have sufficient space available. Guppies, for instance, require around 2 gallons of water per fish to remain comfortable in their environment. This is the average requirement for a 2.5-inch guppy.
How many swordtails should be together?
Swordtail Fish Behavior and Temperament They aren’t necessarily shoaling species, but they should be kept in a group of 5-6 to help them feel comfortable in the tank. Also, keep the ratio of females more in comparison to male ones.
Can male swordtails live together?
As long as no females are present, males can harmoniously coexist in groups of six or more. The larger the numbers the better the chance you have of diffusing any potential aggression within the group, with no one fish bearing the brunt of another’s bullying.
Can swordtails live with mollies?
Swordtails are peaceful, active community fish, making them great companions for mollies.
How long do swordtails give birth?
Although the swordtail’s gestation period is 28 days, it may be difficult to determine when she became pregnant. Gestation can vary by a few days if the female is stressed or water conditions aren’t quite right.
What are the different types of swordtail fish?
While wild swordtails are mostly a drab green in color, most aquarium varieties come in a range of colors including red, orange, black, tuxedo, gold, spotted, neon, albino, silver and blue. Swordtails are relatively hardy and can survive in a range of aquarium conditions.
How can you tell if a swordtail is male or female?
Swordtails have specific characteristics to easily differentiate male and female fish. Males have the characteristic “sword” on the ventral aspect of their tails. Females have a rounded tail edge and tend to have thicker bodies.
How do you breed swordtail fish?
When breeding swordtails, it is advisable to remove pregnant females into separate breeding tanks. Swordtails will quickly devour their own fry and breeders should use a breeding box or a heavily planted aquarium to ensure that the fry survive.
What are the internal issues of a swordtail?
Although their external appearances many be very distinctive, they may also have internal issues with limited immune function and longevity. Swordtails are named for the male’s elongated ventral aspect of their tail fin, creating a “sword”-like appearance.