Overview

A Koi Sanke colour form of the Central American swordtail, with contrasting patches that vary between individuals. Adults reach about 10–14cm in body length, with the male sword adding length.

Scientific name: Xiphophorus hellerii

Behaviour

Keep a small group with two or three females per male. Adult males can compete, so avoid an evenly matched pair of males in a small tank.

Tank Size

Our recommended minimum is 150 litres with a 120 × 35cm base; use 180 litres or more for a community. They are active swimmers and need a secure lid.

These are adult housing recommendations; choose more space when adding tank mates. Allow for space occupied by substrate and décor when comparing aquarium capacities.

Compatibility

Choose robust peaceful fish suited to moderately hard water. Avoid tiny delicate fish and slow long-finned species that may be stressed by their activity.

Diet

Feed omnivore flakes or small pellets with a plant component. Supplement with daphnia, brine shrimp and spirulina-based food.

Care

• Temperature: 22–26°C
• pH: 7.0–8.2
• General hardness: 10–25 dGH

Retain a long open swimming lane and plant the ends for refuge. Watch for persistent male chasing and separate bullied fish. Maintain population limits as fry grow; a juvenile-sized tank is not permanent housing.

Add only to a fully cycled aquarium. Keep ammonia and nitrite at 0mg/l. Start with a 25–30% weekly water change using dechlorinated, temperature-matched water and adjust to test results and stocking. Rinse biological filter media in removed aquarium water rather than under the tap.

Live Animals Are Click and Collect Only. You can order online, choose click and collect, and we will hold your order for collection in store.