Water parameters
Overview
The high-backed pygmy swordtail is one of the small swordtails endemic to the Pánuco basin. Mature males have bodies covered in many dark vertical bars, tall dorsal fins and a short sword on the lower edge of the tail. Males fall into genetically distinct size classes: large males court with elaborate displays, while small males try to approach females unnoticed. Because of this trait it is often used in behavioral research.
Tank Setup
- 60 liters and a 60 cm tank length for a small group.
- 23–25°C, pH 7–8, moderate hardness; clean, well-oxygenated water.
- Gentle flow, dense plants and stones.
- A tight lid; 25% water change weekly.
Diet
Omnivorous. Fine flakes and micro granules, frozen daphnia, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae. It also grazes on algae and biofilm.
Behavior and Compatibility
Peaceful. Large males display to each other with spread fins; they are not persistent toward females. To keep the line pure it should not be kept with other Xiphophorus species.
Good companions: small rasboras, corydoras, otocinclus, dwarf shrimp, nerite snails.
Avoid: other swordtail and platy species (hybridization), large and active fish, fin nippers.
A short profile for this species
The High-backed Pygmy Swordtail page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.
Tank mates
This list is calculated automatically from the species profile and grows as new species are added to the catalog. Try it in the planner for a definite answer.
Usually compatible
Flame Tetra
Blackfin Corydoras
Polystictus Corydoras
Emerald Cory
Emerald Dwarf Rasbora
Porthole Catfish
Keyhole Cichlid
Cryptocoryne Parva
Gold Spot Pleco (L001)
Guppy
Should not be kept together
Hobbyist notes
Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.
Change history and contributors
- Page created · October 16, 2026