Kohaku Swordtail - Xiphophorus helleri

Kohaku Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri)

The Kohaku Swordtail is a bright and attractive captive-bred form of the classic Swordtail, named for its clean red and white colour pattern. Males develop the signature sword-like extension on the lower part of the tail, while females are usually fuller-bodied and slightly larger. Hardy, active and colourful, this variety is a strong choice for community aquariums with clean, stable, moderately hard to hard water.

Common Name:
Kohaku Swordtail. Also commonly referred to as the Red & White Swordtail, Red White Kohaku Swordtail, Kohaku Sword or Swordtail Livebearer.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Xiphophorus helleri
Also widely referenced in scientific sources as Xiphophorus hellerii.

Maximum Size:
Around 10–12 cm in most aquariums, with large females capable of reaching slightly larger sizes. Mature males may appear longer due to the extended sword on the tail.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Kohaku Swordtail is a captive-bred aquarium strain. The wild form of Xiphophorus helleri originates from North and Central America, from Veracruz in Mexico through to north-western Honduras. Wild Swordtails are found in streams, rivers, warm springs, canals, ponds and heavily vegetated freshwater habitats.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH Range: 7.0–8.2
Hardness: moderately hard to hard water preferred

Temperament:
Generally peaceful and suitable for community aquariums, although males can be competitive with each other and may chase females. Mixed-sex groups are best kept with more females than males to reduce pressure on individual females.

Diet:
Omnivorous. It should be offered a varied diet including quality flake, small pellets, algae-based foods, spirulina, blanched vegetables and frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp and bloodworm. Vegetable matter is useful for long-term health, colour and digestion.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical recommendation is at least 100 litres, with an 80 cm aquarium or larger preferred due to their active swimming behaviour and adult size.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is an active mid-to-upper level livebearer that spends much of the day swimming, grazing and exploring the aquarium. Females give birth to free-swimming fry, so numbers can increase quickly in a mixed-sex group. Planted areas, floating plants and fine-leaved cover can provide shelter for fry, while open swimming space should still be maintained for adults.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
This species is peaceful and works well with other freshwater community fish that enjoy similar harder, alkaline water conditions. Suitable tank mates include platies, mollies, peaceful rainbowfish, danios, larger tetras, Corydoras suited to similar conditions and bristlenose plecos. Avoid aggressive fish, persistent fin nippers, large predators and very soft-water species that prefer acidic conditions.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in clean, well-filtered water with good oxygenation, stable water chemistry and regular maintenance. Swordtails prefer harder, more alkaline water and may not thrive long-term in very soft acidic aquariums. A secure lid is recommended, as active livebearers can jump when startled. For mixed-sex groups, keeping one male with two or more females can help reduce constant harassment.

Suitable for:
Beginner fishkeepers

Availability:
Common / occasional in trade, usually as captive-bred stock

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.