Description
Swordtails (Xiphophorus helleri) are larger livebearers in the same genus as Platies. Reaching about 3-5" in length, they require more space than many livebearers, but make up for it with high activity levels and the gorgeous "swords" that males possess on the tailfin. Like other livebearers, we recommend at least 2-3 females per male, so the males don't wear them out with constant breeding attempts.
The Lyretail fin type has greatly extended unpaired fins, making them look quite striking. Care is the same as otyher swordtails, however their extra-long gonopodium makes the males functionally sterile; thus to produce more you will have to breed a normal male with a lyretail female. These are young adults around 1.5-2" long, in an assortment of colours.