Lyretail Wagtail Red Swordtail 5cm

Lyretail Wagtail, Red Swordtail 

The Lyretail Wagtail Red Swordtail is a fiery and flamboyant livebearer that adds a burst of colour and flair to any aquarium. Known for their active swimming, hardy nature, and unique tail structure, these swordtails are a fan favourite for both beginner and experienced aquarists. What sets this particular strain apart is the bright red body, contrasting black “wagtail” markings on the fins, and, of course, the sweeping lyretail that gives the fish an added elegance. 

This strain of swordtail is selectively bred for maximum visual impact. The body is a deep crimson-red with a luminous quality under aquarium lighting. The tail fin has extended upper and lower rays forming a lyre shape, while the inner lobe of the tail remains short; this trait, combined with the black accents on the fins, gives it the “wagtail” appearance. Males will develop the characteristic sword extension on the lower ray of their tail as they mature, while females will be slightly larger-bodied and lack the sword.

Swordtails are easy to breed, being livebearers. Males can be identified by their gonopodium and sword extension, while females have a rounder body and a gravid spot. Females can give birth to dozens of fry every few weeks with minimal prompting, and plant cover is useful to ensure fry survival in a community tank.

Tank Recommendations for your Lyretail Wagtail, Red Swordtail

Lyretail wagtail red swordtails reach around 7 cm when full-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 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 in fact 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 lyretail wagtail 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 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 Lyretail Wagtail Red Swordtail

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