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Swordtail Red (Xiphophorus helleri red)
22–28°C · pH 7–8.4 · 75L
£3.99
Red Wagtail Swordtail — red body with wagtail patterning, about 12 cm, lively and peaceful. 90 litres plus, 23–27 °C, pH 7–8.5.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Xiphophorus helleri red wagteil
Swordtail Red Wagtail are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour.
Red Wagtail Swordtail — red body with wagtail patterning, about 12 cm, lively and peaceful. 90 litres plus, 23–27 °C, pH 7–8.5.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Platies are one of the best beginner fish — hardy, colourful, peaceful, and available in dozens of colour varieties. Perfect for community tanks of all sizes.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Wagtail patterning over a rich red body gives this livebearer one of the most recognisable looks in the swordtail family. The Red Wagtail (Xiphophorus helleri red wagteil) couples that striking tail with a genuinely lively personality, growing to around 12 cm and spending its day on the move through the middle reaches of the tank. It is the tail that earns this strain its name, and striking is the right word for it: this is a fish your eye tracks around the aquarium without trying.
It is easy to care for and peaceful with the right neighbours. Platies, mollies, Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, peaceful tetras of appropriate size and other similar-sized peaceful community fish are all listed companions — build around that list and there is room for colour at every level while the Red Wagtail owns the middle. The good-company list is long enough that most established peaceful tanks already qualify. Cross large aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping barbs, large predatory fish and aggressive or highly territorial species off the plan, and remember very small fry or shrimp may be eaten.
Standard livebearer conditions suit it perfectly: 23–27 °C, pH 7.0–8.5 and hardness anywhere in the 5–30 dGH band, in a tank of 90 litres or more. Hardness tolerance that wide gives plenty of latitude either side of a typical supply. There is nothing in those requirements a standard tropical set-up cannot meet on day one. An omnivorous diet and a typical three-year lifespan complete a very manageable picture.
Give this active strain a clear swimming run along the length of the aquarium and it will use every centimetre of it. Pair the red-and-wagtail look with calm companions so nothing harasses the tail that defines it. Take the introduction slowly and keep early feeds light — the lively personality the strain is known for shows itself soon enough. All deliveries go by licensed live-animal courier and carry our live arrival guarantee.
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