Delicate Swordtail
Xiphophorus cortezi
A gentle, lesser-known Mexican swordtail for the planted community tank.
About
The delicate swordtail (Xiphophorus cortezi) is one of those quietly interesting livebearers that tends to fly under the radar compared to its flashier relatives. Native to the Rio Panuco basin in the Mexican states of Hidalgo and San Luis Potosi, this species makes its home in fast-moving waters, so good filtration and some current in the aquarium will help it feel at home. Adults stay quite small, topping out around three inches at most, which makes them a reasonable fit for modestly sized community setups. Temperament-wise, this is a peaceful fish that coexists well with other non-aggressive species, much in the way you'd expect from most livebearer relatives. Like all members of the genus, females give birth to live young rather than scattering eggs, which adds an extra layer of interest for keepers who enjoy watching natural behaviors play out in the tank. Care demands are low enough that beginners can feel confident keeping this species, provided water quality stays stable and conditions lean toward the harder, more alkaline end of the range that reflects its natural habitat. It is not the most commonly stocked swordtail, but worth seeking out if you appreciate subtler, species-authentic fishkeeping.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Delicate Swordtail
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Delicate Swordtail get?
- The Delicate Swordtail reaches about 1–3" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Delicate Swordtail need?
- A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for the Delicate Swordtail.
- What water parameters does the Delicate Swordtail need?
- The Delicate Swordtail does best with a temperature of 75–82°F, a pH of 7.2–8.2, hardness around 5–20 dGH.
- Is the Delicate Swordtail aggressive?
- The Delicate Swordtail is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Delicate Swordtail eat?
- The Delicate Swordtail is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Delicate Swordtail live?
- With good care, the Delicate Swordtail typically lives 2-3 years.