{"product_id":"red-hi-fin-swordtail-xiphophorus-helleri","title":"Red Hi-Fin Swordtail - Xiphophorus helleri","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"20hgqc\" data-start=\"599\" data-end=\"645\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eRed Hifin Swordtail – \u003cem data-start=\"623\" data-end=\"645\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"77mjg\" data-start=\"647\" data-end=\"659\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"660\" data-end=\"1172\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"687\"\u003eRed Hifin Swordtail\u003c\/strong\u003e is a bright, active livebearer with intense red colour and an enlarged high dorsal fin that gives it extra display appeal. This ornamental strain of \u003cstrong data-start=\"837\" data-end=\"861\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/strong\u003e is a lively choice for a spacious community aquarium with harder, mineral-rich water, open swimming room and plenty of plant cover. Males are especially eye-catching, with the classic sword-like extension to the lower tail, while the high-fin trait makes careful tank mate choice important to avoid fin damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"1174\" data-end=\"1196\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1197\" data-end=\"1479\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1197\" data-end=\"1213\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Hifin Swordtail\u003cbr data-start=\"1233\" data-end=\"1236\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1236\" data-end=\"1252\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Highfin Swordtail, Hi Fin Red Swordtail, Red Swordtail, High Dorsal Swordtail, Green Swordtail, \u003cem data-start=\"1353\" data-end=\"1374\"\u003eXiphophorus helleri\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1374\" data-end=\"1377\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1377\" data-end=\"1397\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1398\" data-end=\"1420\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1420\" data-end=\"1423\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1423\" data-end=\"1437\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Livebearer\u003cbr data-start=\"1448\" data-end=\"1451\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1451\" data-end=\"1466\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1481\" data-end=\"1508\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1509\" data-end=\"1849\"\u003eThe Red Hifin Swordtail is a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1538\" data-end=\"1570\"\u003ecaptive-bred aquarium strain\u003c\/strong\u003e, so this exact red high-fin form is not found in the wild. The wild Green Swordtail is native to \u003cstrong data-start=\"1668\" data-end=\"1698\"\u003eMexico and Central America\u003c\/strong\u003e, with FishBase recording its natural range from the Rio Nantla in Veracruz, Mexico, to north-western Honduras. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1851\" data-end=\"2184\"\u003eWild swordtails are found mainly in flowing streams and rivers with heavy vegetation, but they may also occur in warm springs, canals and ponds. This explains why aquarium swordtails appreciate clean, oxygenated water, plant cover and enough swimming space rather than cramped, still conditions. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"2186\" data-end=\"2213\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2214\" data-end=\"2561\"\u003eRed Hifin Swordtails have a streamlined body, strong red to orange-red colouration and an enlarged dorsal fin. Males develop the distinctive lower-tail “sword”, while females lack the sword and usually become larger and deeper-bodied. The high-fin dorsal can be especially impressive in mature males, although individual fin size and shape varies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2563\" data-end=\"2889\"\u003eAdults are larger than many people expect from livebearers. FishBase lists \u003cem data-start=\"2638\" data-end=\"2660\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/em\u003e at up to around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2677\" data-end=\"2696\"\u003e14 cm for males\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2701\" data-end=\"2722\"\u003e16 cm for females\u003c\/strong\u003e, although domestic aquarium strains are often smaller. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Plan for an active medium-sized livebearer rather than a small nano fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"2891\" data-end=\"2915\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2916\" data-end=\"3348\"\u003eThis is a good community fish for aquariums with harder water, active tank mates and plenty of swimming room. Red Hifin Swordtails suit planted community tanks, livebearer aquariums and Central American-inspired setups with open areas and moderate water movement. They are not suitable for very small aquariums, very soft acidic setups, fin-nipping communities or tanks with shy fish that may be stressed by their constant activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"3350\" data-end=\"3379\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3380\" data-end=\"3786\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"3403\" data-end=\"3435\"\u003e120 litres for a small group\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"3468\" data-end=\"3477\"\u003e90 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e recommended. FishBase notes a minimum aquarium size of around \u003cstrong data-start=\"3540\" data-end=\"3549\"\u003e80 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, while UK aquarium guidance recommends a tank of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"3608\" data-end=\"3616\"\u003e3 ft\u003c\/strong\u003e due to their adult size and active swimming behaviour. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Larger aquariums are preferred if keeping several males or a breeding group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3788\" data-end=\"3808\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3809\" data-end=\"4350\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3809\" data-end=\"3825\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–26°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3833\" data-end=\"3836\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3836\" data-end=\"3843\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.0–8.0\u003cbr data-start=\"3851\" data-end=\"3854\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3854\" data-end=\"3867\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard to hard preferred\u003cbr data-start=\"3901\" data-end=\"3904\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3904\" data-end=\"3925\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Swordtails do best in mineral-rich water with stable pH and good oxygenation. Seriously Fish gives \u003cem data-start=\"4025\" data-end=\"4047\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/em\u003e a broad temperature range of \u003cstrong data-start=\"4077\" data-end=\"4088\"\u003e16–28°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, pH \u003cstrong data-start=\"4093\" data-end=\"4104\"\u003e7.0–8.0\u003c\/strong\u003e and hardness \u003cstrong data-start=\"4118\" data-end=\"4133\"\u003e179–447 ppm\u003c\/strong\u003e, while FishBase lists pH \u003cstrong data-start=\"4159\" data-end=\"4170\"\u003e7.0–8.0\u003c\/strong\u003e and hardness \u003cstrong data-start=\"4184\" data-end=\"4195\"\u003e9–19 dH\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Avoid very soft acidic water and maintain regular water changes, as active livebearers produce a steady waste load.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"4352\" data-end=\"4380\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4381\" data-end=\"4420\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4381\" data-end=\"4403\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4422\" data-end=\"4764\"\u003eRed Hifin Swordtails are generally peaceful, but they are active, assertive livebearers. Suitable tank mates include platies, mollies in compatible water, larger peaceful tetras that tolerate harder water, rainbowfish, danios, peaceful barbs, bristlenose plecs, Cory-type catfish suited to the water chemistry and other robust community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4766\" data-end=\"5183\"\u003eAvoid fin-nippers such as Tiger Barbs, Serpae Tetras and aggressive barbs, as the high dorsal fin can be targeted. Very small fry or tiny fish may be eaten opportunistically. Males can pester females and may spar with rival males, so keep either a single male with multiple females or a larger mixed group with enough space and cover. A ratio of \u003cstrong data-start=\"5112\" data-end=\"5147\"\u003eone male to two or more females\u003c\/strong\u003e is usually more settled than pairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"5185\" data-end=\"5196\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5197\" data-end=\"5746\"\u003eRed Hifin Swordtails are omnivores and easy to feed. Offer quality livebearer flakes, tropical flakes, small granules and micro pellets as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as brineshrimp, daphnia, bloodworm, mosquito larvae and cyclops. Include vegetable-based foods such as spirulina flakes, algae wafers, blanched courgette or spinach to support digestion and colour. FishBase notes that wild swordtails feed on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter, so a mixed diet is ideal. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"5748\" data-end=\"5777\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5778\" data-end=\"6140\"\u003eThis is an active midwater to upper-level livebearer that spends much of the day swimming, displaying and browsing among plants. Males show off their sword and dorsal fin while courting females or competing with other males. Females give birth to free-swimming live young rather than laying eggs, and fry may survive in planted aquariums if there is dense cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"6142\" data-end=\"6156\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6157\" data-end=\"6747\"\u003eKeep in a mature, well-filtered aquarium with stable hard water. Avoid very soft acidic water, cramped tanks and poor oxygenation. Provide plants or décor to break lines of sight, especially if keeping males with females. The high-fin strain should not be mixed with fin-nipping fish or sharp décor. Swordtails are prolific livebearers, so be prepared for fry or keep single-sex groups where appropriate. Never release unwanted fish outdoors, as swordtails have established introduced populations in several countries and can cause ecological problems. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"6749\" data-end=\"6768\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6769\" data-end=\"6793\"\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"6795\" data-end=\"6811\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6812\" data-end=\"6855\"\u003eCommon \/ Captive-bred colour and fin strain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"6857\" data-end=\"6877\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6878\" data-end=\"7073\"\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43671056908362,"sku":"AG-102686","price":3.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43671056941130,"sku":"AG-102687","price":4.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43671056973898,"sku":"AG-102688","price":5.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":43671057006666,"sku":"AG-102689","price":6.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/RedHifinSwordtail-Xiphophorushelleri_1.jpg?v=1780666443","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/red-hi-fin-swordtail-xiphophorus-helleri","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}