Xiphophorus hellerii
The Xiphophorus hellerii naturally inhabits bodies of water in southeastern Mexico, central Guatemala, southern Belize and northwestern Honduras. These fish populations occur in rivers, ponds, streams and other bodies of water, sometimes up to 1500 m above sea level. Adults prefer to stay in currents, while juveniles choose quiet backwaters.
Males of Xiphophorus hellerii are usually smaller than females and have a characteristic widening in the lower lobes of the tail plumage. However, in some fish species the upper part of the caudal fin may also be elongated, also in females. Males reach a size of 14 cm and females 16 cm.
The Xiphophorus hellerii can be kept as singly or as a group with several fish. In this case, a hierarchy is established among the fish, and the dominant fish are constantly trying to defend their place in the pack. Swordfish have a peaceful disposition and, in general, fish are hardy and unpretentious. It easily tolerates variations in water parameters within a fairly wide range and quite well feel in brackish water. Neighbours to the flagship swordsmen to choose quiet, peaceful fish such as Mollienesia and Xiphophorus maculatus, but need to keep in mind that in this case it is very likely that over time there will be hybrid offspring. The fish should not be kept together with Barbus tetrazona, which will be constantly hunting for elongated fins swordfish to bite them.
The fish may be kept in an aquarium with a capacity of at least 100 liters. The choice of decoration is not particularly requirements, although the flagship swordsmen look better in an aquarium, densely planted with dark substrate. Small stones and snags may be placed at the bottom. On the surface of the water is desirable to arrange a few bushes of floating plants, which will serve as a natural light filter and create conditions as close to those in nature.
Water parameters: temperature 16-28° C, hardness dH 10-30°, pH 7.0-8.0. Requires filtration, aeration and a weekly change of 1/3 of the aquarium water with fresh. As indicated above, the fish can live in brackish water, in which the salt concentration does not exceed 15 gr/l.
The Xiphophorus hellerii is omnivorous. The fish eat a variety of dry food in any form, live and frozen food as well as soft plant leaves, algae and detritus equally well. Feed the fish once or twice a day.
Reproduction
TheXiphophorus hellerii reaches sexual maturity at around 6 months of age.
Fish spawn in the same aquarium, where they are permanently. Spawning is stimulated gradually, over 3-5 days increase the water temperature to 28 ° C. Pregnancy female lasts 4-6 weeks. After this period, the female gives birth to fully developed fry ready for independent life.
Immediately after birth, fry should be caught and placed in another aquarium, otherwise they might become prey to their parents.
The lifespan of the Xiphophorus hellerii is about 4 to 6 years.
