Hifin Swordtail

Hifin Swordtail

Xiphophorus hellerii

Also known as: Hi-Fin Swordtail, Lyretail Swordtail

💧 Freshwater ✌️ Peaceful 🟢 Easy 🍽️ Omnivore

Swordtail variant with dramatically tall dorsal fin and extended finnage. Elegant swimmer in planted community tanks.

Tank Size

20 gal
minimum (30+ preferred)

Temperature

72–82°F
22–28°C

pH Range

7–8
water acidity

Max Size

5"
12.7 cm

Lifespan

3–5 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Middle
preferred zone

Care Notes

Males can be aggressive toward each other. Keep one male with multiple females. Long fins make it slower — avoid fin nippers.

Feeding

Flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and algae-based foods.

Compatible Tank Mates

Congo Tetra 3.5" Harlequin Rasbora 2" Zebra Danio 2" Bloodfin Tetra 2" Diamond Tetra 2.5" Scissortail Rasbora 3.5" X-Ray Tetra 1.75" Emperor Tetra 2" Penguin Tetra 2.5" Red Eye Tetra 2.5" Black Phantom Tetra 1.75" Head and Tail Light Tetra 2"

Use Caution With

Neon Tetra 1.5" Cardinal Tetra 2" Rummy Nose Tetra 2" Glowlight Tetra 1.5" Celestial Pearl Danio 1" Lemon Tetra 1.5" Black Neon Tetra 1.5" Flame Tetra 1.5" Red Phantom Tetra 1.5" Espei Rasbora 1.5" Silver Hatchetfish 2.5" Marbled Hatchetfish 1.5"

Incompatible With

Ember Tetra 0.8" Black Skirt Tetra 2.5" Serpae Tetra 1.75" Chili Rasbora 0.7" White Cloud Mountain Minnow 1.5" Buenos Aires Tetra 3" Green Neon Tetra 1" Silvertip Tetra 2" Phoenix Rasbora 0.8" Exclamation Point Rasbora 0.7" Colombian Tetra 2.5" Kubotai Rasbora 0.8"

Check Compatibility

Want to check if Hifin Swordtail is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.