Red Swordtail Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
About this strain
The classic hobby swordtail — body is a solid, saturated brick-to-cherry red with a yellow-edged sword on the male. Females are plumper and swordless but carry the same red coloration. This is the benchmark strain; if the red looks washed-out or patchy at the store, pass on it. Well-bred individuals should show even color from gill plate to caudal peduncle with no white belly creep. One of the hardiest ornamental strains available, tolerating a wide pH range and forgiving of beginner mistakes. A mainstay of the hobby for over a century.
Origin
Developed through selective breeding of wild Xiphophorus hellerii stock, primarily in European and American fish farms through the early-to-mid 20th century. The strain was standardized commercially by the 1940s–1950s.