Kohaku Koi Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) – Tank-Bred

The original swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) was first documented in Central America, inhabiting rivers, streams, and warm freshwater systems with moderate flow and vegetation. The Kohaku Koi variety has been selectively bred in captivity to achieve its distinctive white and red coloration.

Swordtails thrive in aquariums that balance open swimming space with planted structure.

Plants: Vallisneria, Water Sprite, Hornwort, and floating plants like Frogbit

Hardscape: Driftwood and rocks arranged to create structure without restricting movement

Botanicals: Indian Almond Leaves or seed pods to introduce natural elements and support microfauna

A layout with open areas for swimming and planted zones for cover helps reduce stress and supports natural behavior.

Omnivorous. Feed a high-quality flake or pellet as a staple diet. Supplement with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to support growth, coloration, and breeding condition. Occasional plant-based foods such as spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables can also be included.

Explore our pellet and prepared food options to build a strong daily feeding routine — click here.

Explore our live feeder options to further enhance nutrition and natural feeding behavior — click here.

Kohaku Koi Swordtails are peaceful but active and do well with similarly sized community fish. Ideal tank mates include tetras, rasboras, corydoras, other livebearers, and rainbowfish.

Avoid aggressive species that may harass them or nip at fins.

Not fully shrimp safe. While adult shrimp may be left alone, smaller shrimp and shrimplets may be eaten.

This is a prolific livebearing species. Females give birth to free-swimming fry approximately every 4–6 weeks under ideal conditions.

Maintaining a ratio of one male to multiple females helps reduce stress and improves breeding success. Dense plant cover will increase fry survival.

What is the difference between tank-bred and locally bred?

Tank-bred fish are raised in controlled environments for consistency, while locally bred fish are raised in the state of Indiana and may adapt more quickly to your water conditions.

Are Kohaku Koi Swordtails good for beginners?

Yes, they are hardy, active, and easy to care for.

Do they need to be kept in groups?

Yes, they are social and do best in groups.

Can they live with shrimp?

They may eat shrimp fry, so caution is advised.

How often do they breed?

Approximately every 4–6 weeks under good conditions.

Do they require a heater?

Yes, stable tropical temperatures are recommended.

What do they eat?

They eat flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods.

Are they aggressive?

They are generally peaceful but can be energetic.

How big do they get?

They can reach 3–4 inches as adults.

Do males and females look different?

Yes, males have the characteristic sword extension on the tail.