Easy to moderate
Koi Kohaku Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
20–26°C · pH 7–8.2 · 110L
£9.99
Active Wagtail Lyra Swordtail livebearer for hard-water community aquariums, with bright colour, steady movement and straightforward care.
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 hellerii
Wagtail Lyra Swordtail are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour.
Active Wagtail Lyra Swordtail livebearer for hard-water community aquariums, with bright colour, steady movement and straightforward care.
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 Lyra Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is an active livebearer strain of Xiphophorus hellerii, selected for its wagtail markings and lyra-style finnage. It is a good fit for keepers who want a lively hard-water community fish without filling the body text with repeated sales phrases.
| Scientific name | Xiphophorus hellerii |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 10-14 cm, with mature males carrying a sword extension |
| Minimum aquarium | 110 litres or more |
| Temperature | 20-26 C |
| pH | 7.0-8.2 |
| Temperament | Peaceful but active livebearer |
| Diet | Quality flakes, small pellets, vegetable foods and frozen foods |
Give swordtails horizontal swimming room, steady filtration and mineral-rich water. A mature aquarium of 110 litres or more is the sensible starting point for adults. Plants around the sides help break sightlines while leaving open midwater space.
Feed a varied omnivore diet: quality flakes or small pellets, spirulina or vegetable foods, and occasional frozen foods. Small regular meals are better than heavy feeding, especially in warm livebearer tanks where waste can build quickly.
Keep with similar hard-water community fish such as Koi Kohaku Swordtail, Koi Tricolour Swordtail and Assorted Swordtail. Males may chase, so mixed groups do better with more females than males and enough room. Avoid soft-water specialists, fin nippers and cramped tanks.
Livestock is packed for temperature stability, sent with a licensed live-animal courier, and covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. After arrival, acclimate slowly, keep lights low, and watch appetite, breathing and posture during the first week.
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