Assorted Hi-fin Swordtail 4cm

Assorted Hi-Fin Swordtail

The hi-fin swordtail is a vibrant and elegant freshwater fish that is a favourite amongst aquarists due to its striking appearance and peaceful demeanour. This selectively bred variant of the common Swordtail is distinguished by its elongated dorsal fin and vivid red coloration, making it a stunning addition to community aquariums.

Through the years of selective breeding, the swordtail now comes in an assortment of colours, but the most common colours are generally varying shades of red, white, orange, and black. To further enhance this, hi-fin swordtails are also bred to have a much taller dorsal fin compared to standard swordtails. Because of all the ranging colours, it looks stunning to have a large group of these fish in an aquarium. It's often a hard choice to select a single strain from the multitude of colours available, which is why the assorted swordtail option offered by LiveFish contains a mix of these fish, along with the opportunity to get males and females.

Swordtails are livebearers, meaning females give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs. Breeding occurs readily in well-maintained aquariums, however, it's important to note that adults may consume their young if adequate hiding spaces are not provided. To enhance fry survival rates, incorporate dense plant cover or utilise breeding boxes within the tank.

Tank Recommendations for your Assorted Hi-Fin Swordtail

Hi-fin swordtails reach around 7 cm when full-grown, excluding the extension on the tail, as this can grow just as long as the fish itself. The ideal aquarium size for keeping a small group of 5-7 swordtails is a 70-litre aquarium. This ensures there is ample space for the fish and room for potential breeding as well. Having a black background and some higher red spectrum in the aquarium lighting will really make these fish pop.

A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these fish, as well as a lot of plant growth, which not only makes them contrast really well but also makes for handy locations where swordtail fry can grow. black swordtails are considered to be a 'hard' water fish, meaning they prefer the water to have an elevated PH and are not like a tetra. This higher PH of 7 - 8 can be achieved with a PH buffer or even African cichlid lake conditioning salts.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The hi-fin swordtail is a very peaceful aquarium fish. They are great with a wide range of nano aquarium fish however, males can be highly prone to certain fin-nipping species, so these should be avoided. The other factor is that swordtails are a fish that needs a higher PH, so keeping them with South American tetras may not be very suitable as these lower PH.

Usually Compatible

Pseudomogil species such as fork-tail rainbows, blue eyes, rice-fish, and nano aquarium fish, which can tolerate hard water conditions.

Sometimes Compatible

Medium growing or possibly fin-nipping species. Bettas should also be avoided because of their similar flashy nature to swordtails, which could lead to aggression from the bettas end.

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species that would prey on the swordtails, such as oscars or jaguar cichlids.

Feeding your Assorted Hi-Fin Swordtail

Hi-Fin swordtails are very easy to feed once they are settled into the aquarium. They will readily take a wide range of foods but would prefer to have a floating nano pellet or flake due to their top-dwelling behaviour. Giving them a nutritional food with good protein and varied ingredients can result in the colours of the swordtails being further enhanced.