Sex Identification
Males develop tail extensions (swords) by 6 months age.
Females remain shorter-tailed throughout life.
Critical Ratio
1 male per 3-5 females. Multiple males in same tank = territorial fights.
Single males with 1-2 females stress out the females with constant courtship.
Tank Setup
30+ gallons for proper group. Long tanks (3+ feet) for swimming room.
Hard water (GH 200+ppm), pH 7.5-8.0.
Color Varieties
Red — classic.
Pineapple — yellow body.
Green — natural appearance.
Tuxedo — half-color body.
- ✦Single males often grow larger swords than tanks with multiple males
- ✦Skirt females can become male — temperature-induced sex change rare but documented
- ✦Don't mix swordtails with platies — hybrids common