SANTA CLAUS (KOI) SWORDTAIL | XIPHOPHORUS HELLERI

The Santa Claus Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri), also known as the Koi Swordtail, is a brilliantly colored livebearer prized for its festive red, white, and orange patterning that resembles the coloration of koi fish. Its name “Santa Claus” comes from its bright red body contrasted by creamy white patches and a distinctive “sword” extension on the male’s tail fin. This combination of colors makes it one of the most eye-catching and ornamental swordtail varieties available.

Adult males typically grow to about 4–5 inches (10–12 cm), while females can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm). Males are slimmer and feature the elongated sword-shaped tail, whereas females have a fuller body and no sword extension.

Ideal water parameters:
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 7.0–8.2
Hardness: 10–25 dGH

Tank setup: Santa Claus Swordtails are active swimmers that thrive in tanks of 20 gallons or larger. Provide plenty of open space for swimming, along with plants and decorations for cover. Hardy plants like Anubias, Vallisneria, and Hornwort work well. Good filtration and regular water changes are essential, as swordtails prefer clean, oxygen-rich water.

Diet: They are omnivorous and easy to feed, thriving on a base diet of high-quality flakes or pellets supplemented with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Adding spirulina or blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach helps keep their colors vibrant and their digestive systems healthy.

Temperament and tankmates: Santa Claus Swordtails are peaceful, social, and well-suited for community aquariums. They do best with other livebearers like mollies, platies, and guppies, as well as tetras, rasboras, and corydoras. Males can be mildly territorial, so keep multiple females per male (a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio) to reduce competition.

Breeding: Like all swordtails, they are livebearers—females give birth to free-swimming fry approximately every 4–6 weeks. Provide dense plants or breeding boxes to protect fry from being eaten by adults.

In summary, the Santa Claus (Koi) Swordtail is a vibrant, hardy, and lively fish that adds a splash of color and festive beauty to any freshwater aquarium. With its stunning koi-like pattern and peaceful personality, it’s a standout choice for community tanks and beginner-friendly setups alike.