Kohaku Koi Swordtail

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About Kohaku Koi Swordtail

The Kohaku Koi Swordtail is a striking selectively bred variety of Swordtail known for its bright white body with vivid red-orange markings, closely resembling the classic Kohaku pattern seen in ornamental koi.

These colourful livebearers are active, hardy and well suited to community aquariums. Males are easily recognised by their characteristic extended sword-shaped lower caudal fin, while females have a rounded tail.

Kohaku Koi Swordtails are peaceful community fish that appreciate plenty of swimming space, vegetation and stable water conditions. They are excellent beginner fish and readily adapt to a wide range of aquarium environments.

Like other livebearers, they reproduce readily in captivity. Females give birth to free-swimming live young, so a well-planted aquarium can provide valuable cover for fry.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii
Common Name: Kohaku Koi Swordtail / Koi Swordtail
Family: Poeciliidae
Type: Freshwater Fish / Livebearer
Adult Size: Approximately 10–14 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Aquarium: 100 L+
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH: 7.0–8.2
Water Hardness: Moderate to Hard
Diet: Omnivore
Tank Level: Midwater
Suitable For: Community aquariums and planted tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kohaku Koi Swordtails peaceful?

Yes. They are generally peaceful community fish and can be kept with other similarly sized peaceful species.

How big do Kohaku Koi Swordtails get?

Males generally reach around 10–12 cm, while females can grow slightly larger, reaching approximately 12–14 cm.

Do Kohaku Koi Swordtails need a large aquarium?

A minimum of around 100 litres is recommended, particularly when keeping a group. They are active swimmers and appreciate plenty of open swimming space.

Can Kohaku Koi Swordtails breed in an aquarium?

Yes. They are livebearers and can reproduce readily. Females give birth to fully formed, free-swimming fry.

What do Kohaku Koi Swordtails eat?

They are omnivores and readily accept quality flakes and pellets, along with Spirulina, algae-based foods, daphnia, brine shrimp and other frozen foods.

Common Mistakes

Keeping too many males together
Male Swordtails can compete and harass females. A ratio of around one male to several females is generally preferable.

Not providing enough swimming space
Swordtails are active fish and benefit from a spacious aquarium.

Keeping them in very soft, acidic water
They generally perform best in neutral to moderately alkaline, mineral-rich water.

Overlooking breeding
Swordtails reproduce readily, and populations can increase quickly when fry survive.

Keeping them with fin-nipping or aggressive fish
Their flowing fins can make them vulnerable to fin-nipping tank mates.