Red Comet Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) 5cm
Red Comet Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) 5cm is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Product Refunds & Returns
- Returns can be processed within 14 days from purchase.
- To return products, they must be in original condition
- Shipping expenses are not refundable
- If your items have been damaged in shipping, please contact us within 24 hours of receipt with photos, and we will assist you.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy – Shipped Orders Only
- We guarantee live arrival on all shipped livestock when:
- The package is received on the first delivery attempt.
- Clear photos of the unopened shipping bag and deceased animal are emailed to us within 2 hours of delivery confirmation.
- If these conditions are met, we will provide a replacement or store credit. Shipping charges are non-refundable.
7-Day Livestock Guarantee (Local & Shipped Orders)
- We guarantee our livestock for 7 days from purchase/delivery if our care recommendations and tank requirements were followed.
- Proof Required: We may require photos of the deceased animal, proof of purchase (receipt/order number), and/or a water sample from your tank for testing.
Livestock Refunds, Returns, & Surrenders
- Local customers may return livestock within 72 hours of purchase for a refund, provided the animal is alive and in original condition. Returns must be brought to the store; we do not provide pickup services.
Red Comet Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) 5cm
Description
Description
Red Comet Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii var. "Red") is a vibrant and hardy freshwater livebearer, ideal for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
Appearance & Traits
- Coloration: Bright red body with a streamlined shape and a long, sword-like extension on the male's caudal fin. The "Comet" name often refers to the vivid coloration and energetic swimming style.
- Size: Up to 14 cm (5.5 inches) in length
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Sexual Dimorphism:
- Males: Feature a long sword-like tail and a gonopodium (modified anal fin for mating).
- Females: Larger, rounder, and lack the sword extension
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size: 20–30 gallons for a small group
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 65–82°F (18–28°C)
- pH: 7.0–8.0
- Hardness: 12–30 dGH
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Aquascaping:
- Prefer moderate vegetation, rocky substrates, and gentle water flow.
- Avoid driftwood that releases tannins, which can acidify the water
Diet
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Omnivorous: Thrive on a varied diet including:
- High-quality flakes, pellets, granules
- Frozen/live foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia
- Vegetables: spirulina, blanched spinach, peas
- Feed 2–3 small meals daily, removing uneaten food promptly
Behavior & Compatibility
- Temperament: Peaceful and social; great for community tanks
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Tank Mates:
- Good: Guppies, mollies, platies, tetras, corydoras, rasboras
- Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping species
- Social Structure: Best kept in groups with 1 male to 3–4 females to reduce stress and aggression
Breeding
- Livebearers: Females give birth to live fry every 4–6 weeks
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Fry Care:
- Provide plants or breeding boxes for fry protection.
- Feed fry newly hatched brine shrimp and finely crushed flakes.
- Growth can be boosted with protein-rich diets and regular water changes
Specifications
Specifications
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CategoryLivebearers
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Species TypeSwordtail
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Water Temperature
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Minimum Tank Size15 Gallons
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Water pH LevelAlkaline, Neutral
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Habitat PreferencePlanted Tanks, Hiding Spots
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BehaviourCommunity Fish
Payment & Security
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