BERLIN SWORDTAIL 6cm

Berlin swordtail is a popular colour morph of the common swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri). It features a vibrant red or reddish-orange body with irregular black spots or speckles, giving it a striking, high-contrast look. Like other swordtails, they originate from Central America (warm streams, rivers, and ditches with vegetation and moderate flow). They can be peaceful and active. Males can be territorial or nippy toward other males or similar fish, so maintain a ratio of 2–3 females per male. Livebearers that produce 20–100+ fry per brood. They swim in the middle to upper water column.

TANK SET UP: Minimum 40-80 litres for a small group; 80-120+ litres recommended for better swimming space and reduced aggression. Well-planted with live plants (Java fern, Anubias, Vallisneria, Java moss) for cover and grazing. Add open swimming areas, driftwood, rocks, or caves. Smooth gravel or sand substrate is ideal.

TANK MATE: Compatible with other peaceful community fish of similar size (tetras, rasboras, other livebearers, corydoras, small catfish). Avoid tiny fish or highly aggressive species.

FILTRATION: Good quality filter with moderate to strong flow (e.g., hang-on-back or canister filter rated for the tank size). These livebearers benefit from oxygenation and water movement. A sponge filter can supplement a fry tank.

LIGHTING: Moderate to highlight colours and support plant growth.

MAINTENANCE: 20–30% weekly (or 10–20% more often if needed) to maintain stability and remove waste.

FEEDING: Feed high-quality flake/pellet food, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and occasional live/frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia) for variety and conditioning. Feed adult Santa Claus swordtails 1 to 2 times a day.