Pineapple Swordtail is a colorful ornamental strain of Xiphophorus helleri, prized for its bright yellow–gold body accented with orange to red tones and the classic “sword” extension on males. Hardy, peaceful, and active, it’s a staple community fish for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

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Quick Profile

• Scientific name: Xiphophorus helleri
• Common name: Pineapple Swordtail
• Family: Poeciliidae
• Origin (species): Central America (Mexico to Honduras)
• Tank-bred: Yes (ornamental color morph)
• Temperament: Peaceful, active
• Care level: Easy

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Appearance

• Color: Bright yellow to golden body with orange/red highlights; fins often edged in red
• Male distinguishing feature: Elongated lower caudal fin (“sword”)
• Sexual dimorphism:
  • Males are slimmer and more colorful with a sword
  • Females are larger-bodied, rounder, no sword

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Size & Lifespan

• Adult size:
  • Males: ~8–10 cm (3–4 in)
  • Females: ~10–12 cm (4–5 in)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years (often longer with excellent care)

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Behavior & Temperament

• Very active mid‑level swimmers
• Generally peaceful, but males may spar with each other
• Best kept:
  • 1 male with 2–3 females
  • Or groups with plenty of swimming space
• Non-destructive to plants

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Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size: 20 gallons (long tanks preferred)
• Ideal tank size: 30+ gallons for groups
• Swimming space: Important—avoid overcrowding
• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
• Decor: Plants (live or silk), driftwood, open areas

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Water Parameters

Swordtails prefer hard, alkaline water, reflecting their natural habitat.

• Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
• pH: 7.0–8.2
• GH: Moderate to hard
• KH: Moderate
• Filtration: Moderate flow; good oxygenation

✅ Stable parameters are more important than exact numbers.

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Diet

Omnivorous with a strong plant component.

Staple foods:

• High-quality flakes or pellets (spirulina‑based ideal)

Supplements (2–3× weekly):

• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas)
• Frozen/live foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms)

A varied diet enhances color and sword growth.

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Compatibility

✅ Good tank mates:

• Other livebearers (platies, mollies)
• Tetras, rasboras
• Corydoras, bristlenose plecos
• Peaceful barbs

❌ Avoid:

• Aggressive cichlids
• Fin‑nippers (tiger barbs, some serpae tetras)
• Very small shrimp fry (may be eaten)

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Breeding

Pineapple Swordtails are livebearers.

• Breeding difficulty: Easy
• Gestation: ~24–30 days
• Fry per brood: 20–100+

Tips:

• Heavily planted tank helps fry survive
• Remove adults if raising fry deliberately
• Fry eat crushed flakes and baby brine shrimp

They breed readily, population control may be needed.

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