Swordtails, Not Platies, But Not Helleri Either...

[GyppyGirl2021]

Can anyone give me some advice on Xiphophorus swordtails that are less common? As much as I'd love to try the helleri swordtails, I doubt my mom would approve of me keeping them after our last swordtails committed suicide via jumping... -.-

 

[nmonks]

All swordtails have the potential to be "jumpers". They're adapted to quite fast flowing water (hence their speed) and tend to be quite lively at the best of times.

You don't tend to see many different species other than X. hellerii. In the UK at least, the only other species I've seen are Xiphophorus alvarezi in the past at Wholesale Tropicals and Xiphophorus nezahualcoyotl in the last few weeks at Maidenhead Aquatics in Peterborough.

In terms of care though they're mostly pretty consistent. Low to middling temperatures, decent water current, a diet containing lots of algae flake as well as bloodworms. Some species are significantly smaller than others, so I wouldn't mix different varieties; not just because of hybridising, but also because of bullying.

Limia species are doing the rounds at the moment, and Limia nigrofasciata at least definitely don't jump. I've been keeping them in open-topped planted tanks and they do very well. They're small, full of character, and very pretty. Generally inexpensive, £2-5 depending on where you buy them.

Cheers, Neale

 

[dunchp]

See the attached website

http/www.afae.it/pages/tematica/articoli...la_a_alla_z.htm

You will need to use a translation tool to translate it, but it is about the best short article on wild swords and platies.

Since then there are also livebearers such as kalmanni

http/www.eonet.ne.jp/~k-poecilidae/fish/...allmani_jp.html

Mixei and monticolos.

 

[OldMan47]

You might want to try the Montezumae also GuppyGirl. They are not common but can be obtained at places like club auctions or on line. They have a reputation as having the longest sword relative to their size of any swordtail. I am looking to pick some up myself since I want to expand into more wild type livebearers. For me the next auction is Jan 17 next year so keeping my fingers crossed. Meanwhile my wild type helleri are growing nicely and should start breeding soon. As Duncan said, swordtails are very quick little fish and need some measures to prevent them jumping out of their tank.

 

[helterskelter]

Hi GyppyGirl2021.

You can find most types of wild swordtails here in the UK but they take some finding.
Best thing you can do is join a livebearer grope.
In the UK you want to join www.britishlivebearerassociation.co.uk

Or if your in America join
www.livebearers.org (just checked their site but it's currently not working )

xiphophorusmultilineatus

Xiphophorus nigrensis

xiphophorus helleri guntheri