Koi Swordtails

[mandi]

I got myself some koi swordtails the other day. I said I'd never get any more livebearers, but that went out the window when I saw them, haha. They're in a 10 gallon quarantine tank for now, and will probably move to my 30-gallon when it's finished cycling, or possibly to my 20-gallon.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else keeps/raises koi swordtails?
I just love the pattern! Anyway, I bought a trio -- a male and 2 females. However, the females are starting to look a bit "male-ish" -- they don't have swords, but the anal fin is starting to look more narrow and pointed. I'm worried that I'll wind up with all males. And the LFS only has males left in the tank.

Anyway, I'd really like to breed them, as they're quite lovely and fairly unusual. But that might be tuff if I can't find females! Anyone here breed them? Or perhaps I should try mixing a solid red/orange female into the strain and see what happens?? Thoughts?

 

[Polardbear]

I've been lusting after them for a couple of months. I'm waiting for summer to end and the weather to cool down and then I'm hopefully going to buy some off of aquabid. I think they are just stunning and it looks like you got some nicely marked ones.

I couldn't tell from your picture, did you get the black eyed variety or the albino (red eyed) variety?

I'd absolutely die for some with lyretails. So far I've only seen one breeder in Thailand offering the koi's with the lyretail trait and I seriously am considering buying from him. Although, I'd never be able to admit to the BF that I had spent close to $100 for one pair of swordies. He'd never, ever, understand.

I'm not real certain of the color genetics for these guys but I was thinking about how I'd go about adding the lyretail trait and was thinking that if I had a koi male I'd probably try crossing him to one of my orange lyretail girls. I figure it'd be worth a shot.

 

[mandi]

Mine have black eyes. I've seen the red albino-eye ones on Aquabid though, and they're LOVELY. Like you, I'd love to order the ones on Aquabid, but I hesitate at spending THAT much. Maybe we can trade some babies on down the line though!

I never was a huge fan of swordtails -- or rather, I guess I really never "noticed" them till I saw these. Now I'm hooked haha.

 

[paulthegreat]

Those are beautiful fish! I just bought three black Swordies so I will have to put off looking for a few of those and once again delay my plans for getting a few greens

 

[Polardbear]

Alright Paul! Can't wait to see your new kids!