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Yellow Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
Variety of Swordtail · yellow
📍 Central America
The Yellow Swordtail is a bright lemon-yellow color morph of the classic swordtail, bred for its even coloration. Shares all the same care requirements and active temperament as other swordtail varieties.
Care Guide
Diet
Yellow Swordtails are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake food, small pellets, and regular supplements of frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae wafers supports digestive health.
Behavior
Active, energetic swimmers that spend most of their time in the middle water column, constantly foraging and exploring. Males are territorial and may chase females or other males, particularly in smaller tanks; females are generally more peaceful. They are social fish that do best in groups with a higher female-to-male ratio to reduce aggression.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is straightforward and occurs readily in established tanks without special conditioning. Females are livebearers that produce 20-100 fry every 4-6 weeks; fry are born fully formed and immediately independent. Provide dense vegetation or a breeding box to protect fry from predation by adults.
Tank Mates
Similar size and water requirements; may interbreed with swordtails, creating hybrids
Closely related livebearer with identical care needs and compatible temperament
Peaceful schooling fish of similar size; prefers slightly cooler water but adaptable
Small, peaceful community fish; swordtails may occasionally nip at long fins but generally compatible
Nocturnal algae-eater that avoids competition; helps maintain tank cleanliness
Common Diseases
Fin Rot
Frayed, discolored, or deteriorating fins; often starts at fin edges and progresses toward the body
Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days, improve water quality, and treat with antibacterial medication if severe; remove sharp decorations that may cause injury
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots resembling salt grains on body and fins; lethargy, rapid breathing, and rubbing against objects
Raise water temperature gradually to 28-29°C, perform daily water changes, and treat with ich medication; maintain treatment for 7-10 days to eliminate all life stages
Velvet Disease
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, clamped fins, rapid breathing, and loss of appetite
Increase aeration, raise temperature to 28°C, dim lighting, and treat with copper-based medication or salt baths; isolate affected fish if possible
Dropsy
Swollen, bloated abdomen; scales standing out like a pinecone; lethargy and loss of appetite
Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, feed high-quality foods sparingly, and treat with antibiotics; prognosis is often poor if advanced
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Varieties
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