Easy to moderate
Koi Kohaku Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
20–26°C · pH 7–8.2 · 110L
£9.99
Albino Koi Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) for active hard-water community aquariums; colourful livebearer care with plants, groups and a secure lid.
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
Albino Koi Swordtail are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour.
Albino Koi Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) for active hard-water community aquariums; colourful livebearer care with plants, groups and a secure lid.
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
Albino Koi Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is an active, colourful livebearer for roomy community aquariums. This strain combines the familiar swordtail body shape with pale albino colouring and koi-style orange-red patterning, making it a bright choice for planted hard-water setups.
| Scientific name | Xiphophorus hellerii |
|---|---|
| Common name | Albino Koi Swordtail |
| Adult size | Up to around 12-14 cm, with males showing the swordtail extension |
| Minimum aquarium | 120 litres or larger for an active group |
| Temperature | 22-28°C |
| pH | 7.0-8.5 |
| Hardness | Moderately hard to hard water preferred |
| Temperament | Peaceful, active livebearer |
Swordtails are hardy, but they are not tiny still-water fish. They are active swimmers from habitats linked with vegetation and moving water, so they do best with length, oxygenation and regular maintenance. A small juvenile can look manageable at first, but adult males carry the extended tail sword and females become deeper-bodied as they mature.
| Good fit | Poor fit |
|---|---|
| Roomy community aquariums with hard water | Very soft acidic blackwater setups |
| Planted tanks with open swimming space | Cramped tanks with no cover or lid |
| Peaceful livebearer communities | Aggressive cichlids or fin nippers |
Use a mature aquarium with open swimming room, plant cover and a secure lid. Swordtails can jump when startled, and albino fish may appreciate areas away from harsh direct lighting. Keep the water clean rather than old and neglected; frequent water changes help prevent stunting and skin issues in active livebearers.
| Setup point | Practical target |
|---|---|
| Swimming space | Longer tanks are better than cramped cubes |
| Plants | Use live or silk plants for cover and fry shelter |
| Flow | Gentle to moderate movement with good oxygenation |
| Lid | Recommended because swordtails are active jumpers |
Albino Koi Swordtails are omnivores. Offer a good flake or micro-pellet staple, then rotate small frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm with vegetable matter or algae-based foods. Feed modest portions that are eaten quickly; active livebearers often look hungry even when they have had enough.
Keep them in a group where possible, with more females than males if sexes can be chosen. This spreads male attention and keeps the group calmer. Like other livebearers, females can give birth to live fry, and adults may eat young if no cover is available. Dense plants, moss or floating cover improve fry survival.
| Breeding point | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Livebearer | Females give birth to free-swimming fry |
| Sex ratio | More females than males reduces harassment |
| Fry survival | Plant cover helps young avoid being eaten |
Good companions include other peaceful livebearers, Corydoras in suitable water, peaceful rainbowfish, small barbs and calm community fish that enjoy similar hard-water conditions. Avoid aggressive cichlids, large predators and persistent fin nippers. Very tiny shrimp fry may be eaten, especially in sparse tanks.
This product can include more than one size option depending on supplier stock, so check the selected variant before checkout. Livestock is packed carefully and sent by licensed live-animal courier where live-animal shipping applies. Follow the receiving and acclimation instructions to keep the Live Arrival Guarantee valid. New customers can use WELCOME10 when the order is eligible.
| Before ordering | Check |
|---|---|
| Water chemistry | Moderately hard to hard, alkaline water is best |
| Tank size | Enough length for active swimming |
| Tank mates | No aggressive fish or fin nippers |
| Cover | Plants and a secure lid ready before arrival |
Compare similar swordtails such as Koi Kohaku Swordtail, Koi Tricolour Swordtail, Wagtail Lyra Swordtail, Assorted Swordtail, Assorted Variatus Platy and Assorted Male Guppy.
| Are Albino Koi Swordtails peaceful? | Yes, they are generally peaceful, active community fish when kept with suitable tank mates. |
|---|---|
| Do swordtails need hard water? | They do best in moderately hard to hard, slightly alkaline water rather than very soft acidic conditions. |
| Can Albino Koi Swordtails jump? | Yes. Use a secure lid, especially in active community aquariums. |
| Will they breed? | Yes, they are livebearers. Provide plant cover if you want any fry to survive in the main tank. |
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