Easy
Koi Kohaku Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
22–27°C · pH 7–8 · 108L
£9.99
The Tricolour Swordtail is an aquarium-bred red/orange, white and black form of Xiphophorus hellerii, about 14 cm (males) to 16 cm (females). Sold as one unsexed fish per quantity in 4–5 cm or 5–6 cm for a long aquarium of 150 litres or more at 22–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0.
Breeding SpeciesCommunity FishFishFreshwater FishLivebearersSwordtailTropical Fish
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Xiphophorus hellerii
Max Adult Size
up to 14 cm
Care Level
Easy
Temperament
Active, generally peaceful livebearer
Temperature
22–28°C
pH Range
7–8
Hardness
10–25 dGH
Minimum Tank
150L
Diet
Omnivore: flake or small pellets with vegetable content and small frozen foods
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 above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Water Parameters
Temperature
22–28°C
22°CIdeal28°C
pH Level
7–8
7Ideal8
Water Hardness
10–25 dGH
10 dGHIdeal25 dGH
Xiphophorus hellerii
Tricolour Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
Beginner Friendly
Peaceful
£5.99Sold Out
Shoal Pricing
— save up to 30%Shoaling fish: kept in a group they feel safer, stay calmer and show their best colour.
Your shoal
£48.00You save £11.90
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Live arrival guaranteed. If they don’t arrive healthy, email us a short unboxing video the same day for a replacement or refund. Packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed.
£19.95 tracked delivery — half price (£9.98) from £100.00, free from £200.00. One delivery charge however many fish you add — everything travels together with a licensed live-animal courier.
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The Tricolour Swordtail is an aquarium-bred red/orange, white and black form of Xiphophorus hellerii, about 14 cm (males) to 16 cm (females). Sold as one unsexed fish per quantity in 4–5 cm or 5–6 cm for a long aquarium of 150 litres or more at 22–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0.
Breeding SpeciesCommunity FishFishFreshwater FishLivebearersSwordtailTropical Fish
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Xiphophorus hellerii
Max Adult Size
up to 14 cm
Care Level
Easy
Temperament
Active, generally peaceful livebearer
Temperature
22–28°C
pH Range
7–8
Hardness
10–25 dGH
Minimum Tank
150L
Diet
Omnivore: flake or small pellets with vegetable content and small frozen foods
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 above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Full Care Guide
Platy Fish Care: Tank Size, Temperature & Types
Platy is a trade name used for Xiphophorus maculatus, X. variatus and domestic forms. Start with at least three in a mature aquarium of at least 45 litres, verify the exact fish and measured water, and plan extra capacity before mixing sexes.
16 min readRead guide
Water Parameters
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Temperature
22–28°C
22°CIdeal28°C
pH Level
7–8
7Ideal8
Water Hardness
10–25 dGH
10 dGHIdeal25 dGH
An active tricolour swordtail for a roomy livebearer aquarium
The swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a lively livebearer from the Atlantic slope of Mexico and Central America; adult males carry the long, sword-shaped extension on the lower tail fin. The tricolour is an aquarium-bred colour form patterned in red or orange, white and black. FishBase gives about 14 cm for males and 16 cm for females.
This listing is the standard tricolour swordtail. It is not the koi tricolour strain, which is sold as a separate listing.
| Scientific name | Xiphophorus hellerii (tricolour form) |
|---|---|
| Family | Poeciliidae (livebearers) |
| Origin of the species | Atlantic slope of Mexico and Central America |
| Adult size | About 14 cm (males), 16 cm (females) |
| Temperature | 22–28°C |
| pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Hardness | 10–25 dGH |
| Aquarium | About 150 litres or more, with a long swimming length |
| Sold as | One unsexed fish per quantity, in the size selected |
What you receive
Choose 4–5 cm or 5–6 cm, then the quantity. One quantity is one live tricolour swordtail, unsexed; the pattern varies from fish to fish, so photos are representative.
Aquarium and water
Swordtails are strong swimmers: give them a long, mature aquarium of about 150 litres or more with open swimming space and planted edges, and a tight lid because they can jump. Keep 22–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0 and 10–25 dGH, the range in Seriously Fish, with regular partial water changes.
Feeding
An omnivore: feed a quality flake or small pellet with vegetable content daily, plus small frozen or live foods such as Daphnia and brine shrimp a few times a week.
Tank mates and behaviour
Generally peaceful with similar-sized community fish such as platies, mollies, larger tetras, barbs and Corydoras. Males can spar, so keep one male with several females or a larger group in a big aquarium. Avoid very small fish that may be eaten and slow fish with long fins.
Follow the arrival sequence before releasing the fish
Tropical Fish Co’s delivery and Live Arrival Guarantee policy explains the packing and arrival procedure. Livestock is hand-bagged in pure oxygen and placed in an insulated poly box, with a heat pack when the weather calls for it. Someone must be at the address to receive the parcel because live animals cannot be left unattended.
- Receive the parcel in person and start filming before opening it. Show the parcel still sealed with the outer box visible.
- Open the parcel in one continuous take. Keep filming until the fish can be seen inside the sealed bag before anything is disturbed.
- Float the bag for 20–30 minutes so the temperature equalises slowly.
- Do not pour the bag water into the aquarium. Release the fish without adding transport water to the established system.
If a Live Arrival Guarantee claim is required, contact us on the same day with the order number and the continuous unboxing video. Before the parcel arrives, confirm that ammonia and nitrite read zero and that the aquarium matches the water values on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the koi tricolour swordtail?
No. This listing is the standard tricolour swordtail. The koi tricolour strain is a separate listing.
Is this a pair?
No. One quantity is one unsexed fish of the size selected.
How big do swordtails get?
About 14 cm for males and 16 cm for females, including the tail.
What water do they need?
Harder, alkaline water: 22–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0 and 10–25 dGH.
Public references
- FishBase: Xiphophorus hellerii — identity, native range and size.
- Seriously Fish: Xiphophorus hellerii — water conditions, aquarium size and behaviour.
- OATA: How to look after guppies and mollies — water quality, feeding and livebearer guidance.
- RSPCA aquarium environment guidance — biological filtration and the aquarium nitrogen cycle.
Customer Reviews
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What customers say about ordering from us
4.6 on Google Maps, rated 4.6 out of 5 (opens in a new tab)4.4 · 91 shop reviews read them, rated 4.4 out of 5
- 4 out of 5Verified buyer
I have a small group of long finned mountain minnows. So was delighted to be able to order ten of this variety to increase the genetics in my tank . The ones I recieved are healthy but it’s to early to give a verdict on wether they are of a long finned type since they are small currently.
Gordon Walker · 23 Sept 2026
- 5 out of 5Verified buyer
100% success travel and "installation". Pleased with quality of purchase. The Siamese fighter a bit "shy" so have not yet seen him at his best yet but looking good. Happy customer. GG
George E Garratt · 21 Sept 2026
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