Swordtail "Marygold" - Xiphophorus helleri

The "Marygold" Swordtail is another color form of the original silvery-greenish Swordtail. Xiphophorus helleri originates from Central America and shows a very close relationship to Platys, Mollys and Guppies. The family relationship to the Platy is even so close that the two can produce fertile hybrids. The Marygold Swordtail enjoys great popularity in aquaristics and is especially noticeable for its great light golden color, which gives it a very noble appearance.

The males differ from the females mainly visually; the males have an extension on the caudal fin, which gives the impression of a sword, hence their name: Swordtails. This sword in the Marygold Swordtail is fringed by a bright stripe down the middle. Both sexes can grow up to 12 centimeters, although the females are more massive. They also lack the prominent sword on the caudal fin and the elongated gonopodium (a sexual appendage) on the underside of the abdomen.

The habitat of the Central American swordtail has medium to hard water with a good current. Therefore, the swordtail tends to like hard water in the aquarium with a pH between 7 to 8.5 and a total hardness (GH) of 10 to 30 °dGH and a temperature of 22-28 °C. Swordtails aquarium fish grow quite large with 12 cm and can also jump. Therefore, the aquarium should always be well covered. Dense planting serves as a retreat and hiding place for the Marygold Swordtails. Especially the males drive the females very much, so the aquarium should have many hiding places. Swordtails are schooling fish that should be kept in groups, so we recommend keeping them with at least 10 individuals.

Swordtails are very easy to breed. Typical of live-bearing toothcarps, the female swordtail gives birth to live young after mating. She can also store the male's semen and fertilize herself, which is part of the reason why in female-only groups, juveniles are sometimes still born. These develop in eggs in the mother's abdomen and hatch there as well. Then they are released into the open water. A single litter can contain 20-150 babies. The parents chase the offspring. The better the aquarium is planted, the more young animals grow up. Rearing in a spawning box is also conceivable, or in a separate rearing aquarium.

Marygold swordtails aquarium fish can be wellsocialized with the robust amano shrimp, as well as with dwarf shrimp, if the water values are compatible for them. Nevertheless, among the dwarf shrimp, species that are more likely to reproduce, such as Neocaridina or Sulawesi Island shrimp, should be chosen. Crayfish are rather unsuitable for socialization, as they may catch and injure the fish and even eat them, also dwarf crayfish are in the algae to pinch the swordtails sensitively in the soft fins.

Xiphophorus helleri is also an omnivore in its habitat, feeding on animal but also plant food. Apart from worms, small crustaceans, flying insects and other larvae, it also eats soft plants and nibbles on algae deposits, which it thus keeps well under control in the aquarium. These uncomplicated swordtails are hardy and can be fed any conventional granular or flake food for omnivorous ornamental fish in the aquarium that contains both animal and plant ingredients. In addition, their diet can be regularly spiced up with live and frozen foods such as white, red and black mosquito larvae, grindalworms, enchytraea or artemia. Soft or cooked vegetables in moderation are also a good supplemental food.

Our food recommendation: The fragrant NatureHolic Guppyfeed was tailor-made for the needs of guppies and other viviparous fish in the aquarium. In addition to high-quality animal ingredients, it also contains vegetable components that benefit guppies & co. The soft granules protect the sensitive mouth of the viviparous from injuries caused by hard food grains and provide the fish with a natural feeding experience.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.