Calico Showa Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)

The Calico Showa Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a hardy, peaceful livebearer wearing a bold calico pattern of red-orange, black, and white that calls to mind a Showa koi. Beginner-friendly, active, and endlessly colorful, it's one of the easiest community fish you can keep and a natural centerpiece for a planted freshwater aquarium. Pair it with the rest of our freshwater livestock to round out your community tank.

Care Guide

• Care level: Beginner — exceptionally hardy and forgiving of typical water conditions.
• Minimum tank size: 20 gallons; these are active swimmers that appreciate horizontal length.
• Water temperature: 72–79°F (tropical — a heater is recommended).
• pH: 7.0–8.3; they thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline water.
• Hardness: Moderate to hard, 12–30 dGH. Like most livebearers, they prefer harder water.
• Temperament: Peaceful and social. Keep 2–3 females per male so attention is spread out and no single female is over-pursued.
• Pro tip: Swordtails are accomplished jumpers — always keep a secure lid on the tank.

Specifications

Compatibility

Swordtails are excellent community fish. They mix well with other peaceful, similarly-sized species that enjoy the same water conditions:

• Other livebearers like platies and mollies
• Peaceful schooling fish such as tetras and rasboras
• Bottom-dwelling corydoras catfish
• Peaceful barbs and gouramis

Avoid housing multiple males in a small tank, as they can become territorial — keep one male, or give several males a larger, well-planted tank. Steer clear of fin-nippers and large, aggressive fish.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake — a quality tropical flake they'll eat readily
• Seachem Prime — dechlorinate and detoxify every water change
• Browse all aquarium fish food for variety
• Add tank mates from our freshwater livestock collection

FAQ

Are Calico Showa Swordtails good for beginners?
Yes — they're among the hardiest community fish available, tolerate a wide range of water conditions, and are very easy to feed.

Will they breed in my aquarium?
Likely. Swordtails are livebearers and reproduce readily. Keeping more females than males and offering plenty of plant cover for fry are the keys to success.

How many can I keep together?
Keep them in groups with 2–3 females per male. In a 20-gallon tank, a small group works well alongside other peaceful community fish.

Do they need a heater?
Yes. Swordtails are tropical fish and do best between 72–79°F, so a reliable aquarium heater is recommended.