Hi-Fin Red Swordtail 5cm

Hi-Fin Red Swordtail

The Hi-Fin Red Swordtail is a vibrant and elegant freshwater fish that is a favourite amongst aquarists due to its striking appearance and peaceful demeanour. This selective 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.

Hi-Fin Red Swordtails exhibit a brilliant bold red hue that spans their entire body, complemented by an extended, sail-like dorsal fin that adds to their graceful presence. These fish are especially red than most other red swordtail strains as they also present the albino gene noted by the red eyes. This takes any normal level of red and upgrades it instantly to the fiery hue seen on this fish. Males are particularly notable for the "sword" extension on the lower part of their tail fin, a feature that gives the species its common name. Females, while lacking the sword-like tail, share the same vibrant coloration and high dorsal fin. Adult Hi-Fin Red Swordtails typically reach up to 10 centimetres in length.

Known for their peaceful and active nature, Hi-Fin Red Swordtails are well-suited to community tanks. They 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 Hi-Fin Red Swordtail

Hi-fin red swordtails reach around 7 cm when fully grown, this excludes 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 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 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 red 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 need 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 bettas end.

Rarely Compatible

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

Feeding your Hi-Fin Red Swordtail
Hi-fin red 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.