Red Swordtail

Red Swordtail - Vivid Colour for an Active Community Tank

The Red Swordtail carries a solid, vivid red colouration that runs unbroken from nose to tail, with mature males growing the long, sabre-like sword extension on the lower tail lobe that gives the species its name.

This livebearer is a fast, confident swimmer that spends most of its time cruising the upper and middle water column, and it breeds readily when kept in a well-balanced ratio of males to females. Its hardy nature and tolerance of a range of water conditions make it a dependable choice for growing community tanks.

At N8 Aquatics, our fish are carefully raised and conditioned to ensure healthy stock suited to home aquariums.

Species Snapshot

• Adult Size: Males 10–12 cm including the sword, females slightly shorter
• Tank Size: 80 L minimum
• Temperament: Generally peaceful; keep one male per 2–3 females, as males can spar over females
• Temperature: 22–27°C
• pH: 7.0–8.0
• Difficulty: Easy

Ideal Habitat and Care

An 80 L or larger tank with open swimming room and some plant cover along the edges suits this active livebearer well.

• Temperature: 22–27°C
• pH: 7.0–8.0
• Water Flow: Moderate — swordtails enjoy some current and open swimming space
• Maintenance: Weekly partial water changes with stable, established filtration

Diet

This easy-feeding omnivore does best on a varied diet that includes some vegetable matter.

• Quality flake or pellet as a daily staple
• Vegetable matter such as blanched zucchini or spirulina flake
• Occasional frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp
• Live food as an enrichment treat

Compatibility

A hardy, adaptable livebearer, the Swordtail mixes well in a peaceful community as long as males are not overcrowded with each other.

Suitable tankmates include:

• Platies and mollies
• Peaceful tetras
• Corydoras catfish
• Danios

Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Why Buy From N8 Aquatics

• Carefully raised aquarium fish
• Healthy, well-conditioned stock
• Strong genetics and vibrant colouration
• Breeder support if you have questions

Pickup Information

N8 Aquatics currently operates as a local pickup-only breeder in Central Queensland.

Orders are collected by appointment after purchase confirmation.

Please ensure you are able to collect your fish before placing an order.

Important

All livestock sold by N8 Aquatics should be introduced to fully cycled aquariums suitable for the species being kept.

Please ensure your aquarium setup and tankmates are appropriate before purchasing.