{"product_id":"lyretail-red-wag-swordtail-xiphophorus-helleri","title":"Lyretail Red Wag Swordtail - Xiphophorus helleri","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"1c46rmf\" data-start=\"467\" data-end=\"520\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eLyretail Red Wag Swordtail – \u003cem data-start=\"498\" data-end=\"520\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"77mjg\" data-start=\"522\" data-end=\"534\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"535\" data-end=\"1012\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"539\" data-end=\"569\"\u003eLyretail Red Wag Swordtail\u003c\/strong\u003e is a striking fancy livebearer with a bright red body, dark wagtail-style fins and an ornamental lyre-shaped tail. As a selectively bred form of \u003cstrong data-start=\"715\" data-end=\"739\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/strong\u003e, it has the same active, streamlined nature as other swordtails, but the extended finnage means it should be kept with peaceful tank mates that will not nip or damage the tail. This is a colourful community fish for stable, mineral-rich aquariums with good swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"1014\" data-end=\"1036\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1037\" data-end=\"1329\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1037\" data-end=\"1053\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lyretail Red Wag Swordtail\u003cbr data-start=\"1080\" data-end=\"1083\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1083\" data-end=\"1099\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Wag Lyretail Swordtail, Red Wagtail Lyretail Sword, Lyretail Red Swordtail, Fancy Swordtail, Green Swordtail\u003cbr data-start=\"1212\" data-end=\"1215\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1215\" data-end=\"1235\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1236\" data-end=\"1258\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1258\" data-end=\"1261\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1261\" data-end=\"1275\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Livebearer \/ Swordtail\u003cbr data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1301\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1301\" data-end=\"1316\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1331\" data-end=\"1358\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1359\" data-end=\"1798\"\u003eWild \u003cstrong data-start=\"1364\" data-end=\"1388\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/strong\u003e is native to North and Central America, from Veracruz in Mexico through to north-western Honduras. In nature it is found in streams, rivers, warm springs, weedy canals and ponds, often in vegetated areas with moving, well-oxygenated water. FishBase also notes that red varieties are especially popular aquarium fish. (\u003ca data-start=\"1707\" data-end=\"1797\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fishbase.se\/summary\/Xiphophorus-hellerii?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003efishbase.se\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1800\" data-end=\"1944\"\u003eThe Lyretail Red Wag Swordtail is a domesticated aquarium strain, so its colour and fin shape are captive-bred traits rather than wild features.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"1946\" data-end=\"1973\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1974\" data-end=\"2318\"\u003eThis strain usually has a vivid red to orange-red body with black or dark markings on the tail and fins. The lyretail form has extended upper and lower rays on the caudal fin, giving the tail a decorative forked shape. Males also develop the swordtail extension and a gonopodium, while females are larger, deeper-bodied and lack the male sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2320\" data-end=\"2753\"\u003eAdults commonly reach around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2349\" data-end=\"2361\"\u003e10–12 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e in aquariums, with females often larger than males. FishBase lists \u003cem data-start=\"2429\" data-end=\"2451\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/em\u003e at up to \u003cstrong data-start=\"2461\" data-end=\"2509\"\u003e14 cm total length for males or unsexed fish\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2514\" data-end=\"2548\"\u003e16 cm total length for females\u003c\/strong\u003e, so this species needs more room than platies or guppies. (\u003ca data-start=\"2608\" data-end=\"2752\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.se\/Fieldguide\/FieldGuideSummary.php?c_code=840\u0026amp;genusname=Xiphophorus\u0026amp;speciesname=hellerii\u0026amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003efishbase.se\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"2755\" data-end=\"2779\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2780\" data-end=\"3117\"\u003eThis is best suited to larger peaceful community aquariums, livebearer displays and planted hard-water setups. Lyretail Red Wag Swordtails need open swimming lanes, plant cover, gentle to moderate flow and good oxygenation. Because of the extended tail rays, they should not be kept with persistent fin-nippers or rough, boisterous fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3119\" data-end=\"3272\"\u003eThey are not suitable for very small aquariums, very soft acidic water, aggressive predator tanks or cramped setups where males cannot avoid one another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"3274\" data-end=\"3303\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3304\" data-end=\"3816\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"3327\" data-end=\"3363\"\u003e100–120 litres for a small group\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"3396\" data-end=\"3405\"\u003e90 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e recommended. FishBase gives a minimum aquarium size of \u003cstrong data-start=\"3461\" data-end=\"3470\"\u003e80 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, while Fishkeeper recommends at least a \u003cstrong data-start=\"3511\" data-end=\"3528\"\u003e3 ft aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e, preferably larger, because swordtails are more streamlined and agile than platies. (\u003ca data-start=\"3614\" data-end=\"3704\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fishbase.se\/summary\/Xiphophorus-hellerii?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003efishbase.se\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca data-start=\"3706\" data-end=\"3815\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fishkeeper.co.uk\/fish\/freshwater\/livebearers\/swordtail?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003efishkeeper.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3818\" data-end=\"3838\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3839\" data-end=\"4319\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3839\" data-end=\"3855\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–26°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3863\" data-end=\"3866\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3866\" data-end=\"3873\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.0–8.2\u003cbr data-start=\"3881\" data-end=\"3884\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3884\" data-end=\"3897\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard to hard preferred\u003cbr data-start=\"3931\" data-end=\"3934\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3934\" data-end=\"3955\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Swordtails do best in mineral-rich, neutral to alkaline water with stable chemistry and good oxygenation. FishBase lists \u003cem data-start=\"4077\" data-end=\"4090\"\u003eX. hellerii\u003c\/em\u003e at \u003cstrong data-start=\"4094\" data-end=\"4105\"\u003e22–28°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, pH \u003cstrong data-start=\"4110\" data-end=\"4121\"\u003e7.0–8.0\u003c\/strong\u003e and hardness \u003cstrong data-start=\"4135\" data-end=\"4146\"\u003e9–19 dH\u003c\/strong\u003e. (\u003ca data-start=\"4149\" data-end=\"4221\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.org\/summary\/3231?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003efishbase.org\u003c\/a\u003e) Avoid very soft acidic conditions, poor filtration and sudden swings in temperature or hardness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"4321\" data-end=\"4349\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4350\" data-end=\"4389\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4350\" data-end=\"4372\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4391\" data-end=\"4736\"\u003eLyretail Red Wag Swordtails are peaceful overall, but they are active and males can be persistent during courtship. Suitable tank mates include platies, mollies in compatible water, peaceful barbs, danios, rainbowfish, bristlenose plecs, hard-water tolerant Cory-type catfish and other active community fish that enjoy neutral to alkaline water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4738\" data-end=\"5123\"\u003eAvoid Tiger Barbs, Serpae Tetras, large predators, aggressive cichlids, persistent fin-nippers and very slow long-finned fish. The lyretail extensions are more vulnerable than standard fins, so calm tank mates are important. Keep in groups, ideally with \u003cstrong data-start=\"4992\" data-end=\"5027\"\u003eone male to two or more females\u003c\/strong\u003e if mixed sexes are kept. Multiple males need extra space, plant cover and line-of-sight breaks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"5125\" data-end=\"5136\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5137\" data-end=\"5675\"\u003eLyretail Red Wag Swordtails are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality flakes, small granules and livebearer pellets 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, blanched spinach or courgette. FishBase records wild \u003cem data-start=\"5503\" data-end=\"5525\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/em\u003e feeding on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter. (\u003ca data-start=\"5584\" data-end=\"5674\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fishbase.se\/summary\/Xiphophorus-hellerii?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003efishbase.se\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"5677\" data-end=\"5706\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5707\" data-end=\"6064\"\u003eThis is a lively mid-to-upper-level fish that spends much of the day cruising, grazing and interacting with other livebearers. Males display to females and rivals using body posture, fin spreading and the swordtail extension. Females give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs, and fry may survive in planted aquariums if there is enough cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"6066\" data-end=\"6080\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6081\" data-end=\"6651\"\u003eKeep Lyretail Red Wag Swordtails in a mature aquarium with stable hard water, good filtration and regular water changes. Provide plants or décor to break up sight lines, especially if males are active. A secure lid is recommended, as swordtails are strong jumpers. Protect the extended lyretail fins from nipping fish, sharp décor and rough handling. If breeding is not wanted, keep males only or plan ahead for fry. Do not mix different swordtail or platy strains if you want to preserve the Lyretail Red Wag line, as \u003cem data-start=\"6600\" data-end=\"6613\"\u003eXiphophorus\u003c\/em\u003e varieties can hybridise in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"6653\" data-end=\"6672\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6673\" data-end=\"6697\"\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"6699\" data-end=\"6715\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6716\" data-end=\"6764\"\u003eCommon to occasional \/ Captive-bred fancy strain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"6766\" data-end=\"6786\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6787\" data-end=\"7045\"\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, red intensity, black fin coverage, sword length, lyretail shape, fin extension and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43694808432714,"sku":"AG-103053","price":4.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43694808465482,"sku":"AG-103054","price":4.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43694808498250,"sku":"AG-103055","price":5.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/LyretailRedWagSwordtail-Xiphophorushelleri.jpg?v=1781198242","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/lyretail-red-wag-swordtail-xiphophorus-helleri","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}