VAMPIRE DOUBLE SWORDTAIL ( XIPHOPHORUS HELLERII)
Vampire Double Swordtail is a selectively bred variant of the Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii), renowned for its striking appearance and unique fin morphology. This ornamental fish is characterized by its vibrant red body and distinctive double sword-like extensions on both the upper and lower lobes of its caudal (tail) fin, creating a visually captivating display. Additionally, the Vampire Swordtail possesses red eyes, a feature that distinguishes it from other swordtail varieties.
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General Description: The Vampire Swordtail is a selectively bred ornamental strain originating from the wild-type Green Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii), native to regions in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras. This adaptation has led to a hardy and adaptable fish, suitable for various aquarium settings.
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Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
Size: Adult Vampire Swordtails can reach approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in length, with females typically being slightly larger than males.
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Tank Requirements:
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 64–82°F (18–28°C)
pH: 7.0–8.5
Hardness: 12–30 dGH
Filtration: Efficient filtration with moderate water flow is recommended to maintain water quality.
Aquascaping: Incorporate live plants, rocks, and driftwood to provide hiding spots and mimic their natural habitat.
Diet: Vampire Swordtails are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet:
Staple Foods: High-quality flake or pellet foods formulated for tropical fish.
Supplementary Foods: Blanched vegetables (such as zucchini or spinach), bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Behavior and Compatibility: These fish are known for their peaceful demeanor and are suitable for community tanks:
Social Structure: It's advisable to maintain a ratio of multiple females to one male to prevent excessive harassment during breeding attempts.
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Tank Mates: Compatible with other peaceful species like tetras, mollies, guppies, and corydoras catfish.
Breeding: Vampire Swordtails are livebearers, meaning females give birth to free-swimming fry:
Breeding Conditions: Provide a well-planted aquarium to offer hiding spaces for fry, as adult swordtails may prey on their young.
Reproduction Rate: They are prolific breeders; females can store sperm and produce multiple broods from a single mating.
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Conclusion: The Vampire Double Swordtail is an attractive and hardy addition to freshwater aquariums, offering vibrant coloration and unique fin structures. Their peaceful nature and adaptability make them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists seeking to enhance their aquatic displays.