Hi Fin Red Eye Blood Red Lyretail Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri), Tank-Bred

The Hi Fin Red Eye Blood Red Lyretail Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) is a rather uncommon and deluxe swordtail variation that has bright red-orange coloration. and dramatic fin extensions. Reliable sexing can be done by checking the anal fin area for the male gonopodium, a tube-like organ used in fertilization during spawning. Like most swordtail varieties, the Red Eye Blood Red Hi Fin Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) is a variant of the wild Green Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri), but it also has genetics of other Xiphophorus species (such as X. maculatus and X. variatus platy varieties) to achieve new color patterns. 

Swordtails typically occupy the top level of the water column, although they can often be seen swimming and feeding in the middle and bottom levels as well. They are also not afraid to jump, so they must be kept in an aquarium with either a lid/hood/canopy or at least a significantly lowered water level. They will not eat or bother plants. They are safe with other peaceful fish as long as the other fish are not known to nip at the long tail of the male swordtails. Adult dwarf shrimp may be safe as well, some swordtails will attain a size large enough to consider such small shrimp prey. Larger, peaceful invertebrates can also make good tankmates. Swordtails are best kept in groups, particularly groups where females outnumber males since mature males will constantly pursue females for breeding.

While not a picky eater, the Hi Fin Red Eye Blood Red Lyretail Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) will thrive and remain very colorful on a varied diet of meaty foods. High-quality flake food, pellets, and frozen or freeze-dried tubifex and bloodworms will all be readily accepted.

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