LYRETAIL BLOOD RED SIMPSON SWORDTAIL BREEDING GROUP

Introduce a vibrant splash of color and dynamic movement to your aquarium with the Lyretail Blood Red Simpson Swordtail Breeding Group. These striking livebearers are renowned for their intense blood-red hue and distinctive lyretail fins, making them a captivating addition to any freshwater setup. Ideal for both novice and experienced aquarists, this breeding group offers an excellent opportunity to observe natural breeding behaviors and expand your aquatic community.

Features

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii

• Common Name: Lyretail Blood Red Simpson Swordtail

• Size: Up to 12–15 cm (4.5–6 inches)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years with proper care

• Temperament: Peaceful and social; males may exhibit mild territorial behavior

• Diet: Omnivorous; thrives on high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

  • pH Level: 7.0–8.4

  • Hardness: Moderately hard to hard water

• Minimum Tank Size: 80 liters (20 gallons)

• Breeding: Livebearer; provides live fry, ideal for aquarists seeking an easy breeding experience

Why Choose the Lyretail Blood Red Simpson Swordtail Breeding Group?

• Vibrant Coloration: Their intense blood-red hue adds a bold and eye-catching element to your aquarium.

• Unique Fin Structure: The elegant lyretail fins enhance their visual appeal and create graceful movement.

• Breeding-Ready Group: Includes a mix of males and females, ensuring a balanced and thriving breeding environment.

• Peaceful Nature: Ideal for community tanks with other non-aggressive species.

• Hardy and Adaptable: Thrives in a range of water conditions, making them suitable for various setups.

Tank Requirements

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand to mimic natural habitats.

• Decor: Incorporate live plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Vallisneria, along with driftwood and rocks to provide hiding spots and spawning surfaces.

• Filtration: Efficient filtration to maintain water quality without creating strong currents.

• Lighting: Moderate lighting to enhance their natural colors.

• Tank Cover: A secure lid is recommended, as they can be occasional jumpers.

Compatible Tank Mates

Lyretail Blood Red Simpson Swordtails thrive in peaceful community tanks. Suitable companions include:

• Guppies

• Platies

• Mollies

• Corydoras Catfish

•  Black Skirt Tetras

• Danios

Avoid housing with larger or aggressive fish that may view them as prey.

Feeding Recommendations

• Staple Diet: High-quality flake food or pellets formulated for omnivorous fish.

• Supplementary Foods: Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to enhance coloration and breeding readiness.

• Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, and cucumber can be offered as occasional treats.

• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2–3 times daily in small amounts to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Breeding Tips

Swordtails are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live fry. To encourage successful breeding:

• Maintain Optimal Conditions: Keep water parameters stable and within the recommended ranges.

• Provide Hiding Spots: Dense vegetation or breeding boxes can offer fry a safe place to hide from adult fish.

• Separate Fry: Consider moving fry to a separate rearing tank to increase survival rates.

• Monitor Behavior: Observe for signs of breeding readiness, such as males displaying to females and females developing a gravid spot.

FAQs

Can Lyretail Blood Red Simpson Swordtails live in a community tank?
Yes, they coexist peacefully with other small, non-aggressive species in a well-planned community tank.

Do they require a heater?
Maintaining a stable temperature between 22–28°C (72–82°F) is essential; a heater may be necessary depending on ambient room temperature.

Are they suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Their hardy nature and adaptability make them ideal for novice aquarists.

How can I enhance their coloration?
A varied diet rich in high-quality foods, maintaining pristine water conditions, and providing a stress-free environment can help accentuate their vibrant colors.