Marigold Highfin Swordtail - Xiphophorus helleri

The Marigold Highfin Swordtail is a unique variation of the wild swordtail selectively bred for its massive flowing golden yellow dorsal fin and back. The main body is generally gray, with a dark gray horizontal stripe, and a bright yellow sword extending off the bottom of the tail.         

Care

Swordtails, like other livebearers, make excellent options for beginner aquarists. When fully grown, they reach sizes up to 3", but are very peaceful and calm swimmers, allowing them to be kept in tanks as small as 10 gallons. They're very easy to breed in captivity, with the male being differentiated by his slimmer proportions, long 'swordlike' extension at the bottom of the tailfin, and the anal fin modified into a tubular gonopodium used in mating. It's recommended to keep them in groups with 2-3 females per male to reduce breeding stress.        

Diet

Swordtails are omnivores, and will happily accept prepared foods as well as frozen and live offerings.