Of course, these fish still have their preferences. In other words, they’re easy to keep healthy! They thrive in a wide range of environments and are very forgiving to common beginner mistakes. Swordtail fish care is pretty simple since these fish are adaptable and not very demanding. On the other hand, females often grow about an inch bigger! Swordtail Fish Care They rarely exceed the length listed above. The average swordtail fish size is around 5.5 inches in length when fully grown.Īuthor Note: Males are the smallest of the bunch despite the elongated tail. That said, the level of care you provide will have a big impact on this. There’s no way to predict this for sure, as luck and genetic predispositions can impact a swordtail fish’s lifespan. Fish kept in the best and most stable living conditions tend to live longer. The average swordtail fish lifespan is around three to five years. However, multi-colored swordtail fish and exotic varieties with distinct patterns exist as well. Some of the most widespread morphs are red, orange, and black. However, cross-breeding has given aquarists all kinds of unique aesthetic options. The fish are widest where the dorsal and pelvic fins appear at the midsection.Īs for color, there’s a lot of variety! Wild specimens usually have an olive-green base and a brown lateral stripe that runs through the sword. Swordtails are sporting the same streamlined body, wide tailfin, pointy snout, and upturned mouth. The lower lobe is elongated, creating a sword-like protrusion that can be just as long as the rest of the body.Īuthor Note: Females don’t have the longer lobe, so it’s easy to differentiate the sexes for breeding.īeyond that signature trait, swordtail fish have a very “standard” body type! They look strikingly similar to the Southern platy. The most defining feature of the swordtail fish is the male’s caudal fin.
Pair that with their already iconic look, and you have a species that’s ripe for display! Appearance Thanks to their penchant for cross-breeding and ease of care, many different colors and variations exist.
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