Golden Swordtail 5cm

Golden Swordtail

Swordtails are one of the most common and popular aquarium fish in the world for all the right reasons. They come in an array of colours, look super unique, and are quite easy to take care of. One of the most popular strains out of what seems like hundreds that are available in the golden swordtail. Calling these fish vibrant would be an understatement as they carry an array of fiery colours and contrast amazingly in any aquarium setting. The most loved feature of this fish is the long extension seen on the tail of the male fish which looks like the blade of a sword. In some cases, the sword can be just as long as the fish itself which is stunning to see. 

Through years of selective breeding, aquarists have been able to develop the golden swordtail which is a stunning fish. It has a deep, metallic orange colour with highlights of gold going from head to tail. If this fish was fully golden, it may not have had the same level of contrast that it has now with the mix of orange, gold, and red tones as well. All these colours work in unison to create a fish that almost looks like it came out of the sun. For some added contrast they have a jet-black line that travels down the sword which highlights the most characteristic feature of this fish. 

Breeding swordtails in the home aquarium is a super easy task that often requires no effort from you. Since these fish are livebearers, the females will drop fully formed baby swordtails which avoids the process of rearing eggs. Males and females are easily distinguished as male swordtails have long extensions on their tails whereas females do not. The wild habitat of the natural swordtail is widespread from South America to Mexico.

Tank Recommendations for your Golden Swordtail

Golden swordtails reach around 7 cm when fully grown, this is excluding the extension on the tail as this can grow just as long as the fish itself. The ideal aquarium size to keep a small group of 5-7 swordtails would be 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 a higher red spectrum in the aquarium lighting will 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 well but also makes for handy locations where swordtail fry can grow. Golden 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 Golden 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 fish that needs 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 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 betta's end. 

Rarely Compatible

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

Feeding your Golden Swordtail

Golden 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 nutritional food with good protein and varied ingredients can result in the colours of the swordtails being further enhanced.