Lyretail Swordtail

About the Lyretail Swordtail

The Lyretail Swordtail is one of the most elegant livebearers available, combining the hardiness of the classic Swordtail with spectacular elongated lyre-shaped fins. Selectively bred from Xiphophorus hellerii, this variety is available in an incredible range of colours including red, orange, yellow, green, koi, wagtail, pineapple, and mixed patterns, making it a stunning feature fish for freshwater community aquariums.

Male Lyretail Swordtails are easily recognised by their extended upper and lower tail rays, creating the beautiful lyre-shaped tail that gives the variety its name. Females are larger and lack the characteristic sword and lyretail extensions. These active fish spend most of their time swimming through the middle and upper levels of the aquarium and thrive when kept in groups.

Lyretail Swordtails are peaceful, hardy, and highly adaptable, making them an excellent choice for beginners. They thrive in planted aquariums with open swimming space and are ideal companions for Platies, Mollies, Corydoras, Rainbowfish, peaceful Tetras, and Gouramis.

A varied diet of premium tropical flakes, micro pellets, spirulina flakes, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and vegetable matter will maintain vibrant colours, healthy fins, and encourage regular breeding.

Beautiful, active, and easy to care for, the Lyretail Swordtail is a fantastic addition to any peaceful freshwater community aquarium.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Xiphophorus hellerii

Common Name

Lyretail Swordtail

Origin

Captive-bred variety of a species native to Mexico and Central America

Adult Size

8–12 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

90 Litres

Temperature

22–28°C

pH

7.0–8.2

Water Hardness

10–30 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

3–5 Years

Suitable For

Community aquariums and planted tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Lyretail Swordtail?

A Lyretail Swordtail is a selectively bred variety of the common Swordtail featuring elongated upper and lower tail rays that create a graceful lyre-shaped tail.

Are Lyretail Swordtails peaceful?

Yes. They are peaceful community fish that mix well with most non-aggressive tropical species.

What do Lyretail Swordtails eat?

They thrive on premium flakes, micro pellets, spirulina foods, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and fresh vegetable matter.

Can Lyretail Swordtails live with shrimp?

Yes. Adult shrimp are generally safe, although newborn shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Do Lyretail Swordtails breed easily?

Yes. Like all Swordtails, they are livebearers and breed readily in community aquariums. Providing dense plants gives fry the best chance of survival.

Common Mistakes

Keeping too many males together

Males may compete for females. A ratio of one male to two or three females helps reduce aggression.

Poor water quality

Regular water changes and stable water parameters are essential for maintaining healthy fish and long flowing fins.

Feeding only one type of food

A varied omnivorous diet helps maintain vibrant colours and strong fin development.

Housing with fin-nipping fish

Avoid species such as Tiger Barbs that may damage the Lyretail's elongated fins.

Overcrowding the aquarium

Provide plenty of open swimming space and maintain excellent filtration to keep these active fish healthy.