Pineapple Swordtail

Add dynamic color and active motion to your community tank with the Pineapple Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri). Named for its tropical, multi-hued palette, this stunning color variety features a golden-yellow body infused with fiery orange-red fins, subtle metallic horizontal stripes, and iridescence along the flanks. Males display the signature elongated “sword” extension on the lower tail fin, while females show off a fuller, rounded body with rich tropical tones.

Pineapple Swordtails are extremely hardy, energetic, and beginner-friendly livebearers. They are peaceful community dwellers that thrive in planted aquariums with plenty of open swimming area and cover. Being livebearers, they are easy to breed and care for, making them a centerpiece addition for fishkeepers of all experience levels.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22°C – 27°C (72°F – 82°F), with a sweet spot around 23°C – 26°C (74°F – 78°F) for breeding and vitality.
• pH Level:0 – 8.4 (neutral to alkaline; avoid soft, acidic water).
• General Hardness (GH): 12 – 30 dGH (moderately hard to hard water).
• Carbonate Hardness (KH): 10+ dKH (to properly buffer pH stability).
• Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm (must be strictly zero in a cycled tank).
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm.

Diet

High-protein tropical fish flakes or micro-pellets, micro bits

Live or Frozon bloodworms, brine shrimp

Tank Mates

Platies, Molly, Guppy, Bristlenose pleco, Tetras, Corydoras, Malabar Danio, Glo widow tetra

Lifespan & Growth

Average Life Expectancy: 3–5 years with stable water parameters, a balanced diet & proper care.

Adult Size: Females grow larger, reaching up to 4 to 6 inches (12–16 cm), while males reach about 3.5 to 5 inches (12–13 cm) (excluding the distinctive tail “sword” extension).