- Sku: 470112
- Vendor: Squeaky's Aquatics
Pineapple Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
Your order is reserved — we hold off on bagging until you arrive, so it stays healthy in its display tank.
The Pineapple Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is one of the most cheerful livebearers in the hobby — a bright golden-yellow body with that distinctive sword-shaped extension on the male's lower tail fin. Active, peaceful, and surprisingly hardy, Pineapple Swords add constant motion and warm color to community tanks. Each fish is hand-selected from our display systems at Squeaky's Aquatics.
Pair them with other peaceful community fish like Black Skirt Tetras, Panda Corys, or algae-eating Nerite snails. Browse our freshwater fish collection for more community-tank companions.
Care Guide
- Care Level: Beginner — hardy livebearer, very tolerant of typical tap-water parameters.
- Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum for a small group; 29+ gallons recommended — swordtails are active swimmers that need horizontal space.
- Water Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C).
- pH: 7.0–8.4 — prefers slightly hard, alkaline water.
- Hardness: 9–20 dGH. Swordtails do best in moderately hard water.
- Diet: Omnivore. Feed quality flake like Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake daily, supplemented with blanched veggies, frozen brine, and bloodworms.
- Lifespan: 3–5 years with good care.
- Lid required: Yes — swordtails are jumpers, especially when stressed or chasing.
- Acclimation: Drip acclimate over 30–45 minutes for stable transitions.
Specifications
| Common Name | Pineapple Swordtail (Pineapple Sword, Yellow Sword) |
| Scientific Name | Xiphophorus hellerii |
| Family | Poeciliidae (Livebearers) |
| Origin | Captive-bred color line; wild species from Central America |
| Max Size | Males ~4" body + ~2" sword, Females ~5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful with most fish; males can spar with each other |
| Plant Safe | Yes — grazes algae but doesn't damage healthy plants |
| Water Type | Freshwater (tolerates low brackish) |
Compatibility
Great tank mates: peaceful community fish — Neon Tetras, Emperor Tetras, Corydoras, other livebearers (mollies, platies, guppies), rainbowfish, and peaceful gouramis. Nerite snails make excellent cleanup partners.
Male-on-male sparring: Mature male swordtails will display, posture, and occasionally chase each other — especially in smaller tanks. Keep one male per 20 gallons OR add several so aggression is dispersed across the group. Females can be kept in any number.
Avoid: fin-nippers (tiger barbs, serpae tetras), aggressive cichlids, and very small fry-predator setups. Adult swordtails will eat their own fry — provide dense plant cover if you want babies to survive.
Recommended Foods & Supplies
- Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake — high-protein daily staple.
- Seachem Prime — conditions tap water and detoxifies ammonia between water changes.
- Fritz Complete — one-step conditioner alternative.
- Browse all freshwater plants for planted-tank options.
- Browse all fish foods for frozen, pellet, and flake options.
FAQ
Why is it called "Sword"?
Mature males develop a long, pointed extension off the lower edge of the tail fin — the "sword." Females don't have it. The sword serves as a courtship display in nature.
Will I get male/female sword combo?
Our swordtails arrive in mixed batches. Come into the shop if you want a specific sex — males show the extended tail and gonopodium (modified anal fin); females are larger and rounder.
How many can I keep together?
Swordtails do best in groups of 5+. In a 20-gallon tank, keep one male with 2–3 females. For a 29+ gallon, you can keep multiple males if there's room to disperse aggression. They breed prolifically.
Do I need a lid?
Yes. Swordtails are notorious jumpers, especially when a male is chasing or being chased. A tight-fitting lid is essential.
Have a question?
Pineapple Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
