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Sword platy
Xiphophorus xiphidium
Tiger markings in mature males; caudal patterns also vary by stock.
This adult male has tiger bars and no caudal-base spot. Other stocks bear round, paired or crescent marks. Young males may show a pregnancy-like spot, so that mark alone does not determine sex.
- Adult length
- About 3 cm
- Water temperature
- 18–25 °C
- pH
- 7.2–8.2
- Hardness
- 15–25 dGH
- Natural habitat
- Inhabits quiet sections of slow ditches, spring areas, marshes and ponds.
Avoid mixed breeding with X. maculatus and preserve provenance. Avoid prolonged warmth.
Appearance and identification
Compared with the slender, long-sworded signum, this xiphidium male is compact with anterior vertical bars.
Same-species behaviour
Prevent crossing with related platies and keep distinct stocks apart.
Diet and feeding
Mature dominant males differ from juveniles.
Similar and related fish
