Red Firecracker Swordtail (Xiphophorus Hellerii)
 
Overview
The Red Firecracker Swordtail is a striking livebearer variety of the popular Swordtail species. Its vivid red coloration, sleek body, and signature sword-like tail make it a standout fish for both community and planted aquariums. Known for its lively personality and hardy nature, this fish is a favorite among both beginners and experienced aquarists.
 
Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii
Common Names: Red Firecracker Swordtail, Fire Swordtail
Family: Poeciliidae
Origin: Central America – primarily Mexico, Belize, and Honduras
Adult Size: Up to 10–12 cm (4–5 inches)
Lifespan: 3–5 years
 
Appearance
The Red Firecracker Swordtail features an intense, uniform red body with a distinctive elongated lower caudal fin resembling a sword. Males are slimmer and display longer tail extensions, while females are larger and more rounded, lacking the pronounced sword. Selective breeding has enhanced their coloration and fin shape, giving them their “firecracker” brilliance.
 
Behavior & Temperament
Swordtails are active, peaceful, and social fish. Males can be territorial—especially in smaller tanks—so providing adequate space and maintaining a higher female-to-male ratio (ideally 3:1) is recommended. They mix well with other peaceful livebearers and similarly sized species.
 
Tank Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 80 liters (20 gallons)
Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH Range: 7.0–8.3
Water Hardness: 10–30 dGH
Substrate: Neutral to slightly alkaline; fine gravel or sand
Lighting: Moderate to bright to enhance their coloration
Décor: Planted tank with open swimming areas; hardy plants like Vallisneria, Java fern, and Anubias work well
 
Diet
Red Firecracker Swordtails are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet:
High-quality flake or pellet food
Frozen or live foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms)
Vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or spirulina flakes
 
Breeding
These fish are livebearers, meaning females give birth to free-swimming fry.
Gestation Period: About 28–30 days
Fry Care: Provide dense plant cover or breeding boxes, as adults may eat their young.
Diet for Fry: Crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, or specialized fry food.
 
Care Sheet
Tank Size: 80L+
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH: 7.0–8.3
Hardness: 10–30 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Temperament: Peaceful, active
Breeding: Livebearer
Lifespan: 3–5 years