Xiphophorus Helleri - Berlin (Red Koi) Swordtail

$18.00

The Berlin Red Koi Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) is a powerhouse addition to any community or planted aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring an exquisite, show-stopping color profile that mimics the high-contrast patterns of premium pond koi, this highly refined livebearer showcases a striking, translucent albino or platinum base heavily marbled with patches of brilliant, fiery red-orange and contrasting deep black speckling. It is a master of the "showpiece livebearer" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological focal point for the upper-to-mid water column. It is a dedicated, exceptionally fast-paced swimmer, making it a functional cornerstone of a dynamic freshwater ecosystem.

This exceptionally hardy fish thrives in mature, established systems with plenty of live plants, moderate water flow, and hard, alkaline water to support their mineral requirements. While entirely peaceful and an ideal choice for active community setups, males possess a long, dramatic "sword" extension on their lower tail fin, which they use in elegant courtship displays. To ensure long-term health and vibrant color saturation, provide a premium, varied diet consisting of high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and regular treats of frozen bloodworms, Mysis shrimp, or baby brine shrimp. Ensure your aquarium features a secure, tight-fitting lid, as these high-energy fish are legendary jumpers when startled.

Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.

Quick Specs

  • Care Level: Easy

  • Temperament: Peaceful (Active, social community fish)

  • Minimum Tank Size: 20–30 Gallons (Long tanks preferred)

  • Diet: Omnivore

  • Plant Compatible: Yes

  • Max Size: 4–5 Inches (Excluding the male's sword)

  • Water Conditions: 72 to 79°F, KH 10 to 25, pH 7.2 to 8.2

Husbandry Notes

The Berlin Red Koi Swordtail is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "dramatic geometric color" and high-energy kinetic movement in a larger community layout. Their specialized, high-contrast patterning adds a layer of bold graphic texture to the aquarium that beautifully stands out against dense green backdrops like Vallisneria or Java Fern. In the context of modern freshwater keeping, they are widely considered the ultimate "classical showpiece" strain for adding instant visual warmth and constant activity. For maximum success, keep them in groups with a ratio of two or three females to every male to diffuse natural breeding pursuit and prevent a single female from becoming overly stressed.

Expert Shipping & Logistics

We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your premium livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these active fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.

The Berlin Red Koi Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) is a powerhouse addition to any community or planted aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring an exquisite, show-stopping color profile that mimics the high-contrast patterns of premium pond koi, this highly refined livebearer showcases a striking, translucent albino or platinum base heavily marbled with patches of brilliant, fiery red-orange and contrasting deep black speckling. It is a master of the "showpiece livebearer" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological focal point for the upper-to-mid water column. It is a dedicated, exceptionally fast-paced swimmer, making it a functional cornerstone of a dynamic freshwater ecosystem.

This exceptionally hardy fish thrives in mature, established systems with plenty of live plants, moderate water flow, and hard, alkaline water to support their mineral requirements. While entirely peaceful and an ideal choice for active community setups, males possess a long, dramatic "sword" extension on their lower tail fin, which they use in elegant courtship displays. To ensure long-term health and vibrant color saturation, provide a premium, varied diet consisting of high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and regular treats of frozen bloodworms, Mysis shrimp, or baby brine shrimp. Ensure your aquarium features a secure, tight-fitting lid, as these high-energy fish are legendary jumpers when startled.

Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.

Quick Specs

  • Care Level: Easy

  • Temperament: Peaceful (Active, social community fish)

  • Minimum Tank Size: 20–30 Gallons (Long tanks preferred)

  • Diet: Omnivore

  • Plant Compatible: Yes

  • Max Size: 4–5 Inches (Excluding the male's sword)

  • Water Conditions: 72 to 79°F, KH 10 to 25, pH 7.2 to 8.2

Husbandry Notes

The Berlin Red Koi Swordtail is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "dramatic geometric color" and high-energy kinetic movement in a larger community layout. Their specialized, high-contrast patterning adds a layer of bold graphic texture to the aquarium that beautifully stands out against dense green backdrops like Vallisneria or Java Fern. In the context of modern freshwater keeping, they are widely considered the ultimate "classical showpiece" strain for adding instant visual warmth and constant activity. For maximum success, keep them in groups with a ratio of two or three females to every male to diffuse natural breeding pursuit and prevent a single female from becoming overly stressed.

Expert Shipping & Logistics

We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your premium livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these active fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.