Lyretail Blood Red Simpson Swordtail

Introduction

The Lyretail Blood Red Simpson Swordtail is a captivating and vibrant species of freshwater fish, known for its stunning coloration and graceful lyre-shaped tail. This unique variation of the swordtail has an intense red hue, making it a favorite among aquarists who appreciate both beauty and ease of care. It’s an active, peaceful fish that does well in community tanks, adding a bold pop of color.

Scientific Name

Xiphophorus hellerii

Common Name

Lyretail Blood Red Simpson Swordtail

Water Quality and Temperature

• Temperature: 72°F-82°F (22°C-28°C)
• pH Level: 7.0-8.0
• Water Hardness: 10-25 dGH (moderately hard to hard water)
• Filtration: Requires moderate filtration to maintain water quality and oxygen levels.
• Water Changes: Perform 20-30% water changes weekly.

Feeding

The Lyretail Blood Red Simpson Swordtail is omnivorous and thrives on a balanced diet:

• Staple Diet: High-quality flake food or pellet food formulated for livebearers.
• Live/Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia can be offered occasionally for added protein.
• Vegetable Matter: Blanched spinach, zucchini, and spirulina-based foods help support digestion.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed small portions 2-3 times a day to prevent overeating.

Tank Mates

Lyretail Blood Red Simpson Swordtails are peaceful and social fish, making them suitable for most community tanks:

• Ideal Tank Mates:
  • Platies
  • Guppies
  • Mollies
  • Other Swordtails
  • Corydoras catfish
  • Tetras
  • Snails and shrimp
• Avoid:
  • Aggressive fish like large cichlids or fin-nipping species such as tiger barbs.

Substrates and Tank Decorations

• Substrate: Fine gravel or Sand is ideal, as it allows for easy movement and plant rooting.
• Decorations: Provide plants, driftwood, and smooth rocks to create hiding spots and encourage natural behaviors.
• Water Flow: Moderate water flow is best, as platies prefer gentle currents.

Suitable Plants

Live plants enhance the aquarium environment and water quality:

• Moss Balls
• Hornwort
• Anubias
• Java Fern
• Amazon Swords
• Water Wisteria

Sexing

• Males: Smaller in size with a long, sword-like extension on the tail, known as the “sword.”
• Females: Larger and rounder with a more robust body, and lack the sword tail.

Breeding

• Livebearers: Swordtails are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
• Gestation Period: About 4-6 weeks, with 20-80 fry per birth.
• Fry Care: Provide dense plants or a separate breeding box for protection. Feed baby brine shrimp or crushed flake food.
• Selective Breeding: The Lyretail Blood Red Simpson Swordtail can be bred selectively to enhance the blood-red coloration and lyretail shape.

Maximum Size and Longevity

• Size: 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm)
• Lifespan: 3-5 years with proper care.

General Information

The Lyretail Blood Red Simpson Swordtail is an active, lively species that thrives in well-maintained aquariums. These fish are not only attractive but also easy to care for, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. Their peaceful nature allows them to coexist with many other species, and their high reproductive rate makes them an interesting fish to observe in a community setting.

A Fun Fact

The swordtail’s unique tail fin is not just for show—it is used by males in courtship displays to attract females, often seen swimming in a manner that showcases their elongated tail.