Grosvenor Tropicals fully endorsees the OATA's policy on the humane treatment of livestock. We may refuse any sale where we believe that a customer cannot provide a suitable environment for care of that species.
We do not supply Goldfish for use as prizes at Fetes, Fun Fairs or other events.
Swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii
Like many of the livebearers the Swordtail also hails from the Central America's where it is found in large numbers. Nowadays available in a vast range of colours the original wild varieties are predominantly Green much like the colouration shown below.
Females tend to be slightly larger than males and lack the distinctive sword-like extension on the lower tail
Swordtails will do well on most basic aquarium foods, but to keep them in tip top condition it's advisable to include some vegetable matter in their diet. Vegetarian flake foods or algae discs will do well, and you can offer small pieces of fresh cucumber for a treat.
As with all livebearers the sexual differences are obvious and females give birth about every 28 - 30 days. Best kept as 2 females to every 1 male.
Water parameters should be medium hardness and slightly alkaline. The addition of aquarium salt will be very much appreciated. Swordtails are quite tolerant when it comes to water temperature, and can live in temperatures from 18 to 27 degrees C.
