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Xiphophorus Helleri - Red Swordtail
The Xiphophorus Helleri - Red Swordtail (Extra Large) is a high-performance biological asset, engineered for extreme chromatic saturation and athletic social dynamics in technical freshwater systems. Characterized by a uniform, neon-red body profile and the iconic elongated caudal "sword" in males, this Extra Large variant is a masterclass in classic livebearer aesthetics. In the "Answering Machine" era of specialized freshwater husbandry, the Red Swordtail is a premier candidate for those looking to introduce a high-visibility, rhythmic focal point into mature community or species-specific setups.
Unlike smaller variants, these Extra Large specimens offer a more robust presence and fully developed architectural finnage. This is a high-energy biological asset that requires a disciplined management strategy to maintain social stability and metabolic health.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Visualization Note: Some product imagery utilizes generative AI to provide a high-fidelity representation of a mature specimen’s architectural profile. These are not photos of the specific individual you will receive, as biological variance is a standard in high-end husbandry.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive (Active)
Variant Size: Extra Large
Minimum Tank Size: 20 to 30 Gallons
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Compatible: N/A (Freshwater)
Max Size: 4 to 5 Inches
Temperature: 72° to 82°F
dKH: 12 to 30
pH: 7.0 to 8.4
Aquarium Setup
The Red Swordtail requires a stable freshwater environment with significant horizontal clearance to accommodate its athletic swimming mechanics:
Structural Layout: Significant background planting and driftwood are recommended to provide security zones. Floating vegetation is suggested to manage surface-level social mechanics and diffuse lighting.
Swimming Lanes: Maintain open horizontal space; as a high-velocity swimmer, this species requires ample room for natural maneuvering and social displays.
Lid Requirement: A tight-fitting lid is non-negotiable, as this species is a high-risk jumper when startled or during social interactions.
Compatibility
This is a social, high-energy species. They integrate perfectly with other robust community residents such as Platies, Mollies, larger Tetras, and Corydoras. When housing multiple specimens, maintain a ratio of 1 male to 2-3 females to manage social friction and prevent individual stress. Avoid housing with hyper-aggressive residents or exceptionally slow-moving species that may be overwhelmed by the Swordtail's velocity.
Husbandry Notes
Success with Xiphophorus helleri hinges on a varied nutritional protocol. They are active foragers and should be fed twice daily with high-quality flakes and micro-granules with a strong vegetable component. Supplement with frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp to maintain peak color saturation and immune function. Regular 25% weekly water changes are the primary success factor for maintaining the mineral content and water quality these livebearers demand.
Expert Shipping & Logistics (The BFA Protocol)
We utilize specialized logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. This protocol is strictly designed to minimize transport stress and ensure a technical transfer from our facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Xiphophorus Helleri - Red Swordtail (Extra Large) is a high-performance biological asset, engineered for extreme chromatic saturation and athletic social dynamics in technical freshwater systems. Characterized by a uniform, neon-red body profile and the iconic elongated caudal "sword" in males, this Extra Large variant is a masterclass in classic livebearer aesthetics. In the "Answering Machine" era of specialized freshwater husbandry, the Red Swordtail is a premier candidate for those looking to introduce a high-visibility, rhythmic focal point into mature community or species-specific setups.
Unlike smaller variants, these Extra Large specimens offer a more robust presence and fully developed architectural finnage. This is a high-energy biological asset that requires a disciplined management strategy to maintain social stability and metabolic health.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Visualization Note: Some product imagery utilizes generative AI to provide a high-fidelity representation of a mature specimen’s architectural profile. These are not photos of the specific individual you will receive, as biological variance is a standard in high-end husbandry.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive (Active)
Variant Size: Extra Large
Minimum Tank Size: 20 to 30 Gallons
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Compatible: N/A (Freshwater)
Max Size: 4 to 5 Inches
Temperature: 72° to 82°F
dKH: 12 to 30
pH: 7.0 to 8.4
Aquarium Setup
The Red Swordtail requires a stable freshwater environment with significant horizontal clearance to accommodate its athletic swimming mechanics:
Structural Layout: Significant background planting and driftwood are recommended to provide security zones. Floating vegetation is suggested to manage surface-level social mechanics and diffuse lighting.
Swimming Lanes: Maintain open horizontal space; as a high-velocity swimmer, this species requires ample room for natural maneuvering and social displays.
Lid Requirement: A tight-fitting lid is non-negotiable, as this species is a high-risk jumper when startled or during social interactions.
Compatibility
This is a social, high-energy species. They integrate perfectly with other robust community residents such as Platies, Mollies, larger Tetras, and Corydoras. When housing multiple specimens, maintain a ratio of 1 male to 2-3 females to manage social friction and prevent individual stress. Avoid housing with hyper-aggressive residents or exceptionally slow-moving species that may be overwhelmed by the Swordtail's velocity.
Husbandry Notes
Success with Xiphophorus helleri hinges on a varied nutritional protocol. They are active foragers and should be fed twice daily with high-quality flakes and micro-granules with a strong vegetable component. Supplement with frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp to maintain peak color saturation and immune function. Regular 25% weekly water changes are the primary success factor for maintaining the mineral content and water quality these livebearers demand.
Expert Shipping & Logistics (The BFA Protocol)
We utilize specialized logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. This protocol is strictly designed to minimize transport stress and ensure a technical transfer from our facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
