Water parameters
Overview
The swordtail characin is a species with a silvery, semi-transparent body. Males have a thin extension with a spoon-shaped tip that reaches backward from behind the gill cover; while courting, the male waves this extension in front of the female. In males, the lower lobe of the tail and the dorsal and anal fins are elongated. The species breeds by internal fertilization: the female stores the sperm and later deposits her eggs on plants.
Tank Setup
- At least 80 liters for a group of 6–10.
- 23–26°C, pH 6–7.5, soft to moderately hard water.
- Planted edges, floating plants and open space in the upper layer.
- It is a good jumper; a lid is required.
Diet
Omnivorous. Flakes, granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae are suitable; it mostly takes its food near the surface. 1–2 meals a day are enough.
Behavior and Compatibility
Peaceful; males constantly display to each other and to the females. A female-heavy group spreads out the pressure males put on the females.
Good companions: small and medium-sized tetras, rasboras, corydoras, otocinclus, peaceful livebearers.
Avoid: fin-nipping species (the males' long fins become a target), large predators.
A short profile for this species
The Swordtail Characin 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
Cupid Cichlid
Geophagus surinamensis
Cryptocoryne Parva
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