Our Guide To Keeping Yucatan Swordtail Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Xiphophorus hellerii
   • Common name: Yucatan Swordtail
   • Family: Poeciliidae
   • Origin: Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
   • Adult length: 12 to 15 cm (males with extended sword)
   • Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
   • Diet: Omnivore
   • Care Level: Easy
   • Temperament: Generally peaceful, mildly territorial males

2. Tank Setup:

   • Yucatan Swordtails thrive in large, well-oxygenated tanks with plenty of swimming room.
   • A minimum tank size of 100L is recommended for a group, especially with multiple males.
   • Provide a mix of open spaces and planted areas using species like Vallisneria, Hornwort, and Anubias for natural cover.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Optimal pH range is 7.2 to 8.2 (slightly alkaline).
   • Water temperature should be maintained between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).
   • Water hardness should be moderate to hard (12–25 dGH).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Moderate water flow is ideal. Use a reliable filter that ensures good biological filtration and surface agitation.
   • Yucatan Swordtails appreciate clean, well-filtered water with stable conditions.

5. Diet:

   • They are omnivorous and benefit from a varied diet.
   • Feed high-quality flakes or pellets as a staple food.
   • Supplement with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
   • Also offer vegetable matter such as blanched spinach, spirulina, or algae wafers.

6. Tank mates:

   • Yucatan Swordtails are peaceful and suitable for community aquariums.
   • Compatible tank mates include Platies, Mollies, Corydoras, Rasboras, and peaceful barbs.
   • Male swordtails can be mildly aggressive toward each other, so ensure sufficient space and a higher female-to-male ratio (2–3 females per male).

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Yucatan Swordtails are active, surface-to-midwater swimmers and display courtship behavior when breeding.
   • Males have elongated lower caudal fins ("swords") which they use for displays during mating rituals.
   • They are livebearers and prolific breeders — consider separating fry if breeding is not desired.
   • Provide visual barriers and plants to help reduce aggression between males.