Red Wag Swordtail - Xiphophorus helleri

Red Wag Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri)

The Red Wag Swordtail is a bright, hardy and active livebearer, loved for its vivid red body, contrasting black wagtail fins and the classic sword-like tail extension seen on mature males. This captive-bred colour form of the Swordtail is a lively freshwater fish that works well in suitable community aquariums with clean, stable, moderately hard to hard water. It is an excellent choice for keepers wanting a colourful, easy-to-feed fish with plenty of movement and personality.

Common Name:
Red Wag Swordtail. Also commonly referred to as the Red Wagtail Swordtail, Red Wag Swordtail Fish, Red Swordtail, Wagtail Swordtail 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 mature males appearing longer due to the extended sword on the tail. Some references list larger specimens up to around 14 cm.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Red Wag Swordtail is a captive-bred aquarium strain. The wild form of Xiphophorus helleri is native to North and Central America, from Mexico through to parts of Guatemala and 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, compatible Corydoras 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 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.