How to take care of Swordtail Fish | Breeding | Lifespan

Taking Care of Swordtail Fish

Swordtail fish are freshwater aquarium species, which are the best choice for people who want a pet fish as a beginner. There are mainly two color varieties of them green swordtail fish and red swordtail fish. In order to get rare variety they have been selectively interbred resulting in mixtures of color. They can easily get along with a wide variety of other fish due to their extremely peaceful nature and can easily adapt to a wide range of water conditions. 

Swordtail Fish

Swordtails originated in Asia and they have been bred in captivity for countless generations. The male has a protruding tail fin along its lower half, which resembles a sword. This is why they are called Swordtail fish, the length of which reaches half of its body size. Female doesn’t have such protrusion. They are omnivores, you may need to feed them 2-3 times a day. Their diet includes flaked foods, algae, bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.

Taking care of Swordtail Fish

It would be better if you could provide them with a large tank space for them to move around. Sword fish tank size should be a minimum of 20 gallons (75.71 liters). If your tank isn't huge, Male swordtail fish can show territorial aggression towards other male swordtails. So, it is better to limit the number of males in the tank. They are also great jumpers, so consider covering your aquarium.

Swordtail Fish Breeding

Swordtail are livebearer fishes, they give birth to fries in the same way as guppies, mollies, and platies. The male to female ration is one male and more than 2 female. This will split the attention of the male among other females, making the breeding process less stressful.

Swordtail Fish Male and Female

Once female swordtail become pregnant, you can see the bellies becoming bigger with dark spot near their anal fin. It is recommended to transfer the pregnant swordfish into another tank. They can deliver around 35 – 40 fries at a time, they can become pregnant immediately after giving birth without the presence of a mate. 

Swordtails store sperm cells inside their pouch and fertilize on their own and give birth again in a month. Parents can eat their own young ones for two reasons, lack mothering instincts and due to hunger. So, make sure pregnant swordtails are well-fed as they get closer to giving birth.

Swordtail Fish Fry

Add some plants and driftwood, this will serve as a hiding spot for the new born fries. Remove the female from the tank. You can feed the babies with newly hatched brine shrimp and finely crumbled flakes. It takes around 3 months for them to reach maturity and start breeding.

Swordtail Fish Lifespan

Average lifespan of swordtail fish is around 2 to 4 years. As they grow older, the body color appears dull. Although swordtails don't just die due to age, some die earlier due to the strain they put on their small bodies in the process of giving birth or due to some infectious disease.