Balloon Albino Red Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)

Quarantined swordtail and livebearer for planted community aquariums in Canada.

The Balloon Albino Red Swordtail is a selectively bred swordtail variety with strong colour and active swimming behaviour. Swordtails are classic livebearers, known for the male's extended lower tail fin and a more energetic presence than many smaller livebearers.

Why This Fish Stands Out

• Active livebearer with strong colour and movement
• Classic swordtail profile in mature males
• Good choice for larger planted community aquariums

Aquarium Setup & Behaviour

Provide a mature aquarium with open swimming space, stable filtration, plants around the edges, and a secure lid. Swordtails are active fish and appreciate more room than small guppies.

Swordtails can be kept in groups, but males may compete. A planned sex ratio and enough space help reduce stress. If males and females are mixed, breeding is expected.

Feeding

Feed quality flakes or pellets with vegetable-based foods and occasional frozen/live supplements.

Natural Colour & Livestock Integrity

Colour and fin shape are expressions of the selected line and healthy conditioning. Topick Aquarium does not use hormones to artificially enhance colour.

Topick Aquarium Livestock Standard

All fish at Topick Aquarium are carefully quarantined and conditioned to our stable local tap water before sale. Livebearers such as guppies, platies, swordtails, and mollies are often adaptable, but a cycled aquarium, stable maintenance, and gradual acclimation are still important for long-term success.

Care Summary

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii
• Adult Size: Approximately 10–14 cm depending on line and sex
• Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Recommended Tank: Mature planted or community freshwater aquarium with stable filtration and compatible tankmates

Frequently Asked Questions

Are swordtails livebearers?
Yes. Swordtails give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs.

Do all swordtails have a sword?
Mature males usually develop the sword-like lower tail extension; females do not show the same tail shape.

Are swordtails more active than guppies?
Yes, swordtails are larger and more active, so they benefit from more swimming space.

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