{"product_id":"kohaku-swordtail-xiphophorus-helleri","title":"Kohaku Swordtail - Xiphophorus helleri","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eKohaku Swordtail – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKohaku Swordtail\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a striking captive-bred livebearer selected for clean red-and-white koi-style colouration. As an ornamental strain of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, it is active, hardy and well suited to spacious community aquariums with stable, mineral-rich water. Swordtails are larger and more energetic than platies or guppies, so this variety should be given plenty of swimming room, plant cover and carefully chosen peaceful tank mates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Kohaku Swordtail\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Kohaku Sword, Red and White Swordtail, Koi Swordtail, Fancy Swordtail, Green Swordtail\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCorrected Spelling:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Livebearer \/ Swordtail\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Freshwater, with tolerance of slightly brackish conditions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWild \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is native to North and Central America, from Mexico through to parts of Central America. It is found mainly in streams and rivers, but also occurs in warm springs, weedy canals and ponds. Natural habitats are often vegetated and provide a mix of open swimming areas, plant cover and flowing or well-oxygenated water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Kohaku Swordtail is a captive-bred aquarium strain, so its red-and-white colour pattern is a selectively bred trait rather than a wild-type feature. Aquarium care should still reflect the species’ need for space, stable hard water and clean, well-maintained conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKohaku Swordtails usually show a white, cream or pale body with red, orange-red or coral patches. The colour pattern can vary between individuals, with some fish showing red over the head and back, others showing larger body patches or a more broken koi-style pattern. Males develop the classic swordtail extension on the lower part of the tail and a gonopodium, while females are larger, deeper-bodied and do not develop the same sword.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdults commonly reach around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e10–12 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in aquariums, with large females capable of growing bigger. Because swordtails are active, long-bodied livebearers, they need more aquarium space than smaller livebearers of similar temperament.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKohaku Swordtails are well suited to larger peaceful community aquariums, planted livebearer displays and active tropical setups. They do best in mature aquariums with stable water quality, gentle to moderate flow, plant cover and plenty of open swimming space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey are not suitable for soft acidic blackwater aquariums, tiny tanks, aggressive cichlid setups, predator communities or unheated aquariums that drop too cold. Although hardy, swordtails should not be used to cycle new aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA practical minimum is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100–120 litres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for a small group, with a tank length of at least \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e80–100 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e recommended. Larger aquariums are better for mixed communities, adult females and groups containing more than one male.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSwordtails are social livebearers and are best kept in groups. If keeping males and females together, keep more females than males to reduce persistent male attention, ideally around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003etwo or more females per male\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Multiple males need extra space and visual barriers, as males may chase and compete.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 22–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 7.0–8.0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderately hard to hard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Swordtails need mineral-rich, stable water and should not be kept long term in very soft, acidic conditions. Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero and maintain low nitrate with regular water changes. They appreciate clean, fresh water and can struggle in neglected aquariums, so consistent maintenance is important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKohaku Swordtails are peaceful community fish, but they are active and males can be persistent. Suitable tank mates include platies, mollies in compatible water, guppies, Endler’s livebearers, peaceful tetras that tolerate harder water, rainbowfish, danios, Cory-type catfish in compatible conditions, bristlenose plecs and other robust peaceful community species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, very soft-water specialists, severe fin-nippers and very shy slow feeders that may be intimidated by active livebearers. Do not keep males in cramped conditions where chasing cannot be spread out.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKohaku Swordtails are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality flakes, small pellets or granules as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, mosquito larvae and bloodworm. Include vegetable matter such as spirulina flakes, algae-based foods or blanched greens to support digestion and colour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed measured portions that are eaten quickly. Swordtails are active feeders and can become overweight if overfed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is an active, visible livebearer that usually swims through the middle and upper areas of the aquarium. Males display with their swordtail extension and may chase females or rival males. Plant cover, open swimming room and sensible sex ratios help keep behaviour manageable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLike other livebearers, females give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs. In a planted aquarium, some fry may survive among moss, floating plants and dense cover. Females can also store sperm, so fry may appear even if males are removed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdd Kohaku Swordtails only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Maintain hard, alkaline water, stable temperature and regular partial water changes. Provide plants and cover, but leave open swimming space. Use a secure lid, as swordtails are active and may jump if startled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause this is a captive-bred colour strain, red coverage, white base colour, body pattern and sword length can vary naturally between individual fish. The best colour is usually seen in settled fish with good diet and stable water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon to occasional \/ Captive-bred ornamental strain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, red coverage, white colour, body pattern, sword length and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43683047768138,"sku":"AG-102997","price":3.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43683047800906,"sku":"AG-103224","price":4.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43683047833674,"sku":"AG-102998","price":4.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/KohakuSwordtail-Xiphophorushelleri_2.jpg?v=1781006145","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/kohaku-swordtail-xiphophorus-helleri","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}