Swordtail Characin (Corynopoma riisei) — > 3cm

Overview of Swordtail Characin

The small tropical fish tank, scientifically known as Corynopoma riisei, a peaceful, active south american characin with a distinctive sword-like tail extension and lively schooling behavior.. Corynopoma is a monospecific genus of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Stevardiidae. The only species in the genus is Corynopoma riisei, the sword-tail characin, a species of characi

Native to Freshwaters of Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela, this moderate-care species belongs to the Stevardiidae family and has earned a loyal following among UK aquarists for its unique characteristics and manageable requirements.

Appearance and Distinguishing Features

The Swordtail Characin reaches an adult size of approximately 5 cm and displays coloration that varies with mood, diet, and water conditions. Peaceful by nature, this species makes an interesting addition to appropriately stocked aquariums.

At Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.

Natural Habitat and Origin

In the wild, Corynopoma riisei inhabits freshwaters of colombia, trinidad and tobago, and venezuela. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.

The natural habitat features specific water chemistry and environmental conditions that we carefully replicate in captive care for optimal health and longevity.

Aquarium Setup and Requirements

A minimum tank size of 75 litres is essential for housing Swordtail Characin. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.

Provide appropriate hiding places, suitable substrate, and decorations that match their natural habitat preferences. Good filtration and stable water parameters are essential for all freshwater species.

Invest in quality filtration capable of turning over the tank volume 4-6 times per hour, and perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain pristine conditions.

Water Parameters and Chemistry

Maintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of Swordtail Characin:

• Temperature: 22-28C
• pH Range: 6.0-7.5
• Hardness: See species-specific requirements
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (zero tolerance)
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm ideally

This species prefers soft, acidic water. Use RO water remineralized to appropriate GH/KH, add Indian almond leaves or alder cones for tannins, and avoid calcareous decorations that raise pH.

Invest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.

Feeding and Nutrition

As a omnivore, Swordtail Characin requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.

A varied small-frozen and live food diet such as daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and quality micro-pellets/flakes; will also accept some plant-based matter.

Vary the diet between quality flakes/pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp), and occasional fresh vegetables. Nutritional variety promotes vibrant colors, strong immunity, and natural behavior.

Remove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.

Behaviour and Temperament

The Swordtail Characin is classified as peaceful, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.

This peaceful species thrives in community setups with similarly sized, non-aggressive tankmates. Calm demeanor and gentle nature make it ideal for planted aquariums.

Best kept in a planted, well-filtered aquarium with open swimming space and a secure lid; they are active and may jump. Maintain excellent water quality and keep them in a proper group, as they are...

Compatible Tank Mates

Choose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:

Compatible species include:

• Small peaceful tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras catfish
• Other non-aggressive community fish of similar size

Avoid housing with:

• Large predatory fish
• Fin-nippers
• Aggressive cichlids
• Very boisterous species
• Any fish large enough to eat them

Always research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.

Breeding and Reproduction

Can be bred in captivity in a well-conditioned group or pair setup with clean, soft to moderately hard water and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Males perform courtship displays; eggs are...

Why Buy Swordtail Characin from Tropical Fish Co UK

When you choose Tropical Fish Co for your small tropical fish tank purchase, you benefit from:

• Premium Quality: Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and feeding well before dispatch
• Expert Selection: We hand-pick active, vibrant specimens with excellent coloration
• Safe Delivery: Specialist courier service with heat packs and double-bagged packaging
• Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand behind every shipment with our comprehensive guarantee
• Ongoing Support: Expert care advice available whenever you need it

With decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our Swordtail Characin specimens are among the finest small tropical fish tank available online today.

Order with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.