Breeding Pygmy Swordtail (Xiphophorus Pygmaeus) In The Aquarium

Location

This freshwater fish lives in a quiet areas of fast-flowing rivers in Mexico.

Body description

Colour of the body is olive-gold. There are 3 horizontal black stripes on the sides of the fish. First stripe is along the spine, second is along the lateral line and third stripe spreads from the anal fin to the base of the caudal fin. All fins are translucent. Male has bottom rays of the caudal fin elongated. These rays of the tail look like the sword. Male has also the anal fin transformed into the gonopodium – external copulatory organ. Colour of female always is beige.

Temperament and behaviour

This is active, peaceful and friendly species. It should be kept with other quiet and similar sizes fish. These fish may live in harmony when you have a group of several fish (single male and few females). Male is very violent during the spawning season.

Aquarium decoration

This species prefers a spacious tanks. Aquarium should have space to swim, hiding-places among plants, roots and rocks, strong light, effective filtration system and oxygen-rich water.

Breeding

This is a live-bearer species – fertilization is internal. You should breed the fish in group. The spawning is preceded by intense courtships. The pregnant female can be recognized by the dark pregnant-spot on her belly. This spot becomes bigger with time. You should transfer the pregnant female to a separate tank. The parents don’t take care for the offspring – they can eat the fry. The gestation period of the female takes about 1 month. The fry (up to 10) can be found in the aquarium after this time. The fry starts to swim and feed straight away.