Blood Red Firecracker Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) Pair

The Blood Red Firecracker Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a vibrant and active freshwater livebearer known for its intense blood-red coloration and elegant body shape. Male swordtails develop the characteristic elongated lower section of the tail fin, creating the distinctive “sword” that gives this popular aquarium fish its name.

Active, hardy, and relatively easy to care for, the Blood Red Firecracker Swordtail is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Its brilliant red coloration stands out beautifully in planted and community aquariums, while good water quality, a nutritious varied diet, and suitable lighting help maintain strong coloration and healthy growth.

What We Like About This Fish

• Intense blood-red coloration
• Distinctive sword-shaped tail extension in males
• Active and attractive swimming behavior
• Hardy and relatively easy to care for
• Excellent choice for planted community aquariums
• Peaceful with most suitable tank mates
• Livebearing species that can reproduce readily in aquariums

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Tank Size: Minimum 75 liters (20 gallons)
• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• pH: 7.0–8.2
• Water Hardness: Moderate to hard
• Water Flow: Gentle to moderate

A well-planted aquarium with plenty of open swimming space provides an ideal environment for Blood Red Firecracker Swordtails. Plants, driftwood, and other natural decorations can provide shelter and help create a comfortable environment, particularly for females and young fry.

Care Guidelines

Diet: Omnivorous. Feed a varied diet of high-quality flakes or small pellets supplemented with vegetable-based foods and occasional frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. A balanced diet helps support healthy growth, breeding condition, and vibrant red coloration.

Social Behavior: Generally peaceful and active. Blood Red Firecracker Swordtails are suitable for community aquariums with similarly sized peaceful fish. When keeping multiple swordtails, maintaining more females than males is recommended to reduce persistent chasing and breeding pressure on individual females.

Origin

Captive-bred aquarium variety – derived from Xiphophorus hellerii, native to Central America

Average Adult Size

Approximately 8–12 cm (3–4.7 inches), with males appearing longer due to the sword-shaped tail extension

Average Purchase Size

Approximately 5-7 cm (2–2.4 inches)

Schooling Fish

No. Blood Red Firecracker Swordtails are social fish but are not true schooling fish. They can be kept individually or in groups, although groups with a suitable male-to-female ratio generally display more natural social behavior.

Shrimp Safe

Mostly safe with larger adult shrimp. Blood Red Firecracker Swordtails may coexist with larger shrimp, but small shrimp and shrimplets may be eaten if they can fit into the fish’s mouth. Dense plants and hiding areas can improve shrimp survival.

The Blood Red Firecracker Swordtail is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a hardy, colorful, and active livebearer. With its brilliant blood-red appearance, distinctive sword-shaped tail, peaceful nature, and straightforward care requirements, this attractive swordtail can become a striking addition to planted and community aquariums.

PRICE IS FOR 1 PAIR (MALE & FEMALE)