Keeping Montezuma Swordtails

[chrissfishes]

Hi everyone,
I got 6 X.montezumae at my local auction almost a week ago. They are very beautiful fish. There are 3 males and 3 females. I have them in a 55 gal. I have plants on the left and right side of the tank and the middle is open. I also have plants that cover the surface and the temperature is around 80. I see them swimming every now and again but they mostly hide a lot and they are very skittish and jumpy. I have researched them and from what I have gathered they are known to be jumpers and can be skittish. I was wondering if there is anything I can do to make them feel more comfortable and come out more? I do water changes weekly. I have also read they like salt. Should I add aquarium salt? Thank you very much!
Chris

 

[nmonks]

There's no particular need to add salt to any tank with swordtails, whatever the species. While it is true that swordtails do live in brackish water habitats outside of their natural range, for example in Hawaii, that's more a reflection of their tolerance than preference. So salt is useful therapeutically for treating whitespot for example, but it's redundant as a regular addition to the aquarium.

Much more important is providing hard, basic water that isn't too warm -- many people keep swordtails much too hot -- and ensuring that they get a mixed diet containing both animal and plant foods.

Cheers, Neale

 

[fish48]

as Neale mentioned there's no need to add salt. 80 is too warm
they do well between 70-74 they are very good jumpers,

 

[chrissfishes]

Ok great! Thank you very much! They did have fry. I have about 12 fry. They are all doing great and even the adults come out from time to time. They are acting good but I will lower the temperature. I feed them a variety of foods. I have veggie flakes and regular flakes. I also feed them brine shrimp and other. Thanks again!

 

[OldMan47]

Chris, you and I have much the same water. I saw you buy those fish. Your tap water will be fine for the monties. I am keeping mine at about 75F and they are doing fine for me and breeding freely. I tend to focus on getting enough vegetable matter for the poeciliid fish that I keep because many of the common fish foods are simply too low in vegetation for them. These are true omnivores and will not do as well on a high animal protein diet as on a balanced one.

 

[chrissfishes]

Hi Gordon,
Thank you very much! I will start to feed them more veggie foods. I am glad yours are doing good. They really are beautiful fish! Thanks again!