Marigold Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri)
Marigold Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) 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.
Marigold Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri)
Description
Description
Marigold Swordtail is a bright golden-yellow to orange color morph of the popular swordtail. Its vibrant coloration, hardiness, and prolific breeding make it one of the most popular livebearers in the aquarium hobby.
- Adult Size: 4-5.5 inches (10-14 cm)
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Temperament: Peaceful, active community fish
- Diet: Omnivore
- Difficulty: Easy, beginner-friendly
Ideal Water Parameters
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22-28°C (72-82°F) |
| pH | 7.0-8.3 |
| GH | 8-20+ dGH |
| Tank Size | 20-30+ gallons |
| Water Type | Hard, alkaline |
Swordtails thrive in mineral-rich water and generally perform best in harder water conditions.
Appearance
- Bright marigold-yellow to orange coloration.
- Males develop the characteristic "sword" extension on the lower tail fin.
- Females are larger-bodied and lack the sword.
- Available in standard, lyretail, and high-fin varieties.
Behavior
Active swimmer
Excellent community fish
Constantly visible in the aquarium
Compatible with many livebearers and peaceful tropical species
Males can be competitive with one another and may harass females. Maintaining multiple females per male helps reduce stress.
Recommended Ratio
- 1 male : 2-3 females minimum
Diet
Marigold Swordtails are omnivores and readily accept:
- Quality flakes
- Pellets
- Spirulina foods
- Algae wafers
- Brine shrimp
- Daphnia
- Bloodworms
- Blanched vegetables such as zucchini and spinach
A varied diet promotes the best coloration and breeding success.
Breeding
One of the easiest freshwater fish to breed.
- Livebearer species
- Gestation period: approximately 24-30 days
- Females can produce up to 50 fry per brood
- Females can store sperm and produce multiple broods from a single mating
Dense plants help fry survive, as adults will readily eat newborns.
Compatible Tank Mates
Good companions include:
- Platies
- Mollies
- Guppies
- Corydoras
- Bristlenose Plecos
- Rainbowfish
- Peaceful barbs
- Larger tetras
Avoid highly aggressive fish and fin-nippers.
Specifications
Specifications
-
CategoryLivebearers
-
Species TypeSwordtails
-
Water Temperature
-
Minimum Tank Size15 Gallons
-
Water pH LevelAlkaline, Neutral
-
Habitat PreferenceHiding Spots, Planted Tanks
-
BehaviourCommunity Fish
Payment & Security
Payment methods
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