How long do Swordtails live?
Swordtails live about 3-5 years with good care. Stable, reasonably warm water and a balanced diet support that span.
What do Swordtails eat?
They are omnivores taking flake, pellets, and frozen/live foods like daphnia and brine shrimp, plus some vegetable matter. Overfeeding is the main diet error; feed small portions once or twice daily.
Tank size and water parameters
A 15-20 gallon (57-75 L) tank suits a small group. Target 65-82°F (18-28°C), pH 7.0-8.4, moderate hardness, zero ammonia and nitrite, nitrate under 20-30 ppm. Keep more females than males; provide plant cover for fry.
Common mistakes with Swordtails
Key errors: too-small tank for a 4-6 inch active fish; fin-nippers like tiger barbs that shred the sword; all-male groups that fight; and unchecked breeding overpopulating the tank.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Too small a tank — adults reach 4-6 inches and need room.
- Fin-nippers like tiger barbs — they shred the male's sword.
- All-male groups — they fight; keep more females than males.
- Unchecked breeding — populations boom fast.