Red Tuxedo Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
 
The Red Tuxedo Swordtail is a stunning colour variety of the popular Swordtail, featuring a vibrant red body contrasted by a darker black or deep maroon rear half, creating the distinctive "tuxedo" pattern. Hardy, active, and easy to care for, these livebearers are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
 
Species Information
Common Name: Red Tuxedo Swordtail
Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii
Origin: Central America (captive-bred variety)
Adult Size: 10–14 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Easy
Lifespan: 3–5 Years
Minimum Tank Size: 75 Litres
 
Appearance
Red Tuxedo Swordtails display a brilliant red front half with a contrasting dark rear section, creating their distinctive tuxedo pattern. Males develop the characteristic elongated "sword" extension on the lower lobe of the tail fin, while females are larger and lack the sword.
Their vibrant colours and constant activity make them a standout feature in any community aquarium.
Aquarium Requirements
Swordtails are active swimmers and appreciate spacious aquariums with plenty of open swimming room.
 
Recommended Setup:
Well-planted aquarium
Open swimming areas
Driftwood and natural décor
Moderate water movement
Secure lid to prevent jumping
 
Water Parameters
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH: 7.0–8.2
Hardness: 10–30 dGH
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
 
Diet
Red Tuxedo Swordtails are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet.
 
Recommended Foods:
Quality flakes
Premium pellets
Algae-based foods
Frozen bloodworms
Brine shrimp
Daphnia
Fresh vegetables such as zucchini and spinach
 
A varied diet helps maintain vibrant colours and overall health.
Behaviour & Compatibility
These peaceful livebearers are ideal for community aquariums and are best kept in groups. Maintaining more females than males helps reduce
breeding-related stress.
 
Suitable Tank Mates:
Platies
Mollies
Corydoras catfish
Rainbowfish
Peaceful Tetras
Bristlenose Catfish
Peaceful Gouramis
Other Swordtails
 
Avoid keeping with aggressive or fin-nipping species.
Breeding
Red Tuxedo Swordtails are livebearers and breed readily in home aquariums.
 
Breeding Tips:
Keep one male with multiple females
Provide dense plants for fry shelter
Gestation period is approximately 28–35 days
Females can produce 20–100 fry per brood
Separate fry if maximum survival is desired
Fry readily accept finely crushed flake food, powdered fry food, and newly hatched brine shrimp.
 
Care Sheet
✔ Hardy and beginner-friendly
✔ Attractive red and black tuxedo pattern
✔ Active and constantly visible
✔ Peaceful community fish
✔ Easy to breed livebearer
✔ Suitable for a wide range of aquarium setups
 
The Red Tuxedo Swordtail is a colourful and energetic livebearer that brings vibrant colour, personality, and constant activity to any freshwater community aquarium.