Swordtail

Author : Efrain Silva

Appearance

The Swordtail looks like the kind of fish you don’t want to make fun of (as if you should actually make fun of any fish at all….these are each uniquely beautiful, in my own opinion).

It’s got a nice, long and pointy tale at its end that sticks out just like a sword, and you can find this fish in one of several different colors — see it online to browse all its colors. What it has on its back - end, that I briefly mentioned, is technically both a tail and a fin (called a tailfin…neat, right?).

Diet

This guy is on a diet to win! It wants to feed itself on all kinds of great foods, when it’s out in nature. Live foods work. So do quality - grade flake foods. Make sure to throw plenty in the tank, from time to time, within reason…..

Fruit flies are edible. And so is mosquito larvae. Since this fish can eat away at pretty much any kind of food it gets, try to mix it up and make its banquets balanced — it likes to eat like a champion! Brine shrimp, daphnia, blood worms, herbivore - type stuff….you’re thinkin’ in the right direction! Feed away, but don’t pollute the tank (or filter / clean it often).

Origins

The origins, the origins, the origins….that is the million - dollar question here we have all been waiting to know : Where did this fish make its way to us from?

Well, to answer that with some clarity, it has been noted to have first been seen in a very specific, special region that extends itself from Central America, respectively. It technically reaches throughout North America, as well, starting in Mexico (Veracruz, to be exact) and then extending out to the North West regions of Honduras. How cool is that? IT’S A MEXICAN - HONDURAN FISH!

Roommate Situation

Now, what good ‘bunk mates’ should this Mexican - Honduran fish consider, those that can really dance to its tune (or at least respect each others’ own personal space)? Well, that’s a great question, and to this I would add the simple truth that Angelfish are some of the best - known roommates for this fish, highly compatible in every way.

As are Mollies. To go a step even further, you can try some Platies, as well, and have no issues. If you want Corydoras, as well, you can add some to the mix (as long as they are the peaceful type, and you can verify this at your local pet store, most of the time).

Other Facts to Note

You might also want to pay close attention to the fact that the Swordtail is also technically known as the “Green Swordtail” in some places — so know that, if someone calls it out in reference by that name, they are still speaking about the same fish here, and not some other sub - sect variant of it. Also, for you Science majors out there (which I once almost was, long story), this fish is technically named the Xiphophorus hellerii.