{"product_id":"red-wag-swordtail-xiphophorus-helleri","title":"Red Wag Swordtail - Xiphophorus helleri","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"16dyz1h\" data-start=\"582\" data-end=\"626\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eRed Wag Swordtail – \u003cem data-start=\"604\" data-end=\"626\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"77mjg\" data-start=\"628\" data-end=\"640\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"641\" data-end=\"1131\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"645\" data-end=\"666\"\u003eRed Wag Swordtail\u003c\/strong\u003e is a bright, active livebearer with a vivid red body and contrasting dark “wagtail” finnage. As a selectively bred form of \u003cstrong data-start=\"790\" data-end=\"814\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/strong\u003e, it is larger and more streamlined than a platy, with mature males developing the long lower-tail extension that gives swordtails their name. This is a hardy community fish when kept in the right conditions, but it needs a longer aquarium, mineral-rich water and sensible stocking to prevent male chasing and stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"1133\" data-end=\"1155\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1156\" data-end=\"1414\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1156\" data-end=\"1172\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Wag Swordtail\u003cbr data-start=\"1190\" data-end=\"1193\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1209\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Wagtail Swordtail, Red Wag Sword, Red Swordtail, Wagtail Swordtail, Green Swordtail\u003cbr data-start=\"1297\" data-end=\"1300\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1300\" data-end=\"1320\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1321\" data-end=\"1343\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1343\" data-end=\"1346\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1346\" data-end=\"1360\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Livebearer \/ Swordtail\u003cbr data-start=\"1383\" data-end=\"1386\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1386\" data-end=\"1401\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1416\" data-end=\"1443\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1444\" data-end=\"1741\"\u003eWild \u003cstrong data-start=\"1449\" data-end=\"1473\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/strong\u003e is native to North and Central America, from the Rio Nantla area of Veracruz, Mexico, through to north-western Honduras. It is found mainly in streams and rivers with vegetation, as well as warm springs, weedy canals and ponds. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"2019\"\u003eThe Red Wag Swordtail is a domesticated aquarium strain, so its colour pattern is captive-bred rather than wild-type. Aquarium care should still reflect the natural species’ preference for clean, oxygen-rich, neutral to alkaline water with open swimming space and plant cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"2021\" data-end=\"2048\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2049\" data-end=\"2357\"\u003eRed Wag Swordtails usually show a strong red to orange-red body with black or dark edging through the tail and fins. Males are slimmer and develop the distinctive sword-like extension on the lower part of the tail, as well as a gonopodium. Females are larger, deeper-bodied and do not develop the same sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2359\" data-end=\"2675\"\u003eAdults commonly reach around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2388\" data-end=\"2400\"\u003e10–12 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e in aquariums, with large females potentially bigger. FishBase lists \u003cem data-start=\"2469\" data-end=\"2491\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/em\u003e at up to \u003cstrong data-start=\"2501\" data-end=\"2539\"\u003e14 cm TL for males or unsexed fish\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2544\" data-end=\"2568\"\u003e16 cm TL for females\u003c\/strong\u003e, so this species should be given more space than platies or guppies. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"2677\" data-end=\"2701\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2702\" data-end=\"3018\"\u003eThis strain is well suited to larger peaceful community aquariums, livebearer displays and planted hard-water setups. Red Wag Swordtails appreciate open swimming lanes, tall plants, floating cover, good filtration and steady water movement. They are active, agile fish and should not be treated as a nano livebearer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3020\" data-end=\"3179\"\u003eThey are not suitable for very small aquariums, very soft acidic water, aggressive predator tanks or slow long-finned fish that may be harassed or outcompeted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"3181\" data-end=\"3210\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3211\" data-end=\"3538\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"3234\" data-end=\"3270\"\u003e100–120 litres for a small group\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"3303\" data-end=\"3312\"\u003e90 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e recommended. FishBase gives a minimum aquarium size of \u003cstrong data-start=\"3368\" data-end=\"3377\"\u003e80 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, while Fishkeeper recommends at least a \u003cstrong data-start=\"3418\" data-end=\"3435\"\u003e3 ft aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e, preferably larger, due to the species’ adult size and activity. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3540\" data-end=\"3560\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3561\" data-end=\"3976\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3561\" data-end=\"3577\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–26°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3585\" data-end=\"3588\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3588\" data-end=\"3595\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.0–8.2\u003cbr data-start=\"3603\" data-end=\"3606\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3606\" data-end=\"3619\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard to hard preferred\u003cbr data-start=\"3653\" data-end=\"3656\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3656\" data-end=\"3677\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Swordtails do best in mineral-rich, neutral to alkaline water with good oxygenation. FishBase lists \u003cem data-start=\"3778\" data-end=\"3800\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/em\u003e at \u003cstrong data-start=\"3804\" data-end=\"3815\"\u003e22–28°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, pH \u003cstrong data-start=\"3820\" data-end=\"3831\"\u003e7.0–8.0\u003c\/strong\u003e and hardness \u003cstrong data-start=\"3845\" data-end=\"3856\"\u003e9–19 dH\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Avoid very soft acidic conditions, poor filtration and sudden parameter changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"3978\" data-end=\"4006\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4007\" data-end=\"4046\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4007\" data-end=\"4029\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4048\" data-end=\"4415\"\u003eRed Wag Swordtails are peaceful overall, but they are active and males can be persistent with females or competitive with other males. Suitable tank mates include platies, mollies in compatible water, peaceful barbs, danios, rainbowfish, bristlenose plecs, Cory-type catfish in suitable water and other active community fish that enjoy neutral to alkaline conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4417\" data-end=\"4698\"\u003eAvoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, persistent fin-nippers, very tiny nano fish and delicate slow-moving tank mates. Keep in groups, ideally with \u003cstrong data-start=\"4571\" data-end=\"4606\"\u003eone male to two or more females\u003c\/strong\u003e if mixed sexes are kept. Multiple males need extra space and plant cover to reduce chasing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"4700\" data-end=\"4711\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4712\" data-end=\"5186\"\u003eRed 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=\"5069\" data-end=\"5091\"\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003c\/em\u003e feeding on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"5188\" data-end=\"5217\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5218\" data-end=\"5561\"\u003eThis is a lively mid-to-upper-level swimmer that spends much of the day cruising, grazing and displaying. Males use the swordtail extension and body posture when courting females or showing off to rivals. Females give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs, and young may survive in planted aquariums if there is enough fine cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"5563\" data-end=\"5577\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5578\" data-end=\"6051\"\u003eKeep Red Wag Swordtails in a mature aquarium with stable hard water, good filtration and regular water changes. Provide plants or décor to break up lines of sight, especially if males are persistent. A secure lid is recommended, as swordtails are strong jumpers. Avoid overcrowding and plan ahead for fry if females are present. Do not mix different swordtail or platy strains if you want to maintain the Red Wag line, as \u003cem data-start=\"6000\" data-end=\"6013\"\u003eXiphophorus\u003c\/em\u003e varieties can hybridise in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"6053\" data-end=\"6072\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6073\" data-end=\"6097\"\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"6099\" data-end=\"6115\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6116\" data-end=\"6151\"\u003eCommon \/ Captive-bred colour strain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"6153\" data-end=\"6173\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6174\" data-end=\"6413\"\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, body shape and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43694795784266,"sku":"AG-103050","price":2.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43694795817034,"sku":"AG-103051","price":3.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43694795849802,"sku":"AG-103052","price":3.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/RedWagSwordtail-Xiphophorushelleri.jpg?v=1781197534","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/red-wag-swordtail-xiphophorus-helleri","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}