Name: Swordtail Koi Tricolour
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: 6141
Price: 18.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

Swordtail Koi Tricolour

£18.99

Swordtail Koi Tricolour

£18.99

Overview

The Swordtail Koi Tricolour is a striking variety of Xiphophorus helleri, the well-known swordtail livebearer. Bred for its bold colour pattern, this fish combines the familiar elegant body shape of the swordtail with a koi-inspired mix of tones that makes it stand out in a planted community aquarium.

Like other swordtails, this is an active, hardy fish that is generally well suited to keepers with some basic tropical fish experience. It is social, energetic and easy to enjoy, especially when kept in a small group with suitable tank mates. As with any livebearer, good water quality and a balanced diet are important for long-term health, and you should always verify your local water conditions before purchase if you are unsure whether your aquarium is a good match.

At Tropical Fish Co, we supply Swordtail Koi Tricolour fish at a shipping size of 4 - 5 cm. Adult size, exact temperature and pH preferences can vary depending on line and local conditions, so please verify with your own setup before adding stock to the tank.

Tank Setup

Swordtails are active swimmers that appreciate room to explore, open swimming space and areas of cover. A mature tropical aquarium with stable filtration, regular maintenance and plenty of oxygenation is ideal. Because these fish are lively and can be territorial at times, it is best to provide enough space to reduce chasing and give less dominant fish places to retreat.

For any fish, avoid starting too small. We do not recommend choosing a tank below 40 litres for this species, and in practice a larger aquarium is usually a better long-term home for a swordtail community. A well-established tank with live plants, driftwood, rocks and open midwater space helps create a natural-feeling environment. Floating plants can also be useful, as they soften bright lighting and provide surface cover without blocking swimming room.

Good filtration is important, but strong current is not always necessary. Aim for clean, well-oxygenated water with regular partial water changes. Swordtails do best in stable conditions rather than frequent swings in temperature or chemistry. If your water is very soft or very hard, or if you are uncertain about pH and mineral content, verify with your local water supplier or test kit and make adjustments only if you are comfortable doing so.

Provide open swimming areas with planted sections for cover
Use a mature filter and maintain excellent water quality
Keep the tank covered, as active livebearers may jump
Ensure plenty of surface oxygenation and regular maintenance
Choose tank size and stocking carefully; do not undersize the aquarium

Diet & Feeding

Swordtails are omnivores and benefit from a varied diet. In the aquarium they should be fed a mixture of quality flake, micro pellets, frozen foods and some vegetable matter. A broad diet supports colour, condition and breeding health, while also helping to prevent digestive issues associated with overly rich feeding.

Offer small amounts once or twice daily, only as much as they can comfortably consume in a short time. Overfeeding is a common cause of poor water quality and health problems in livebearer tanks, so moderation is important. Variety is more beneficial than relying on a single food source. Algae-based foods, blanched vegetables and other plant-friendly options can be useful additions, especially for fish that graze throughout the day.

Quality tropical flakes or micro pellets as a staple
Frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp or bloodworm as treats
Vegetable-based foods and algae wafers in small amounts
Feed lightly to keep the tank clean and fish in good condition

Tank Mates & Temperament

Swordtail Koi Tricolour fish are usually peaceful enough for community aquariums, but they are active and can be pushy, particularly males. They are best kept with other non-aggressive fish that enjoy similar water conditions and are not easily intimidated. Mixing too many males together in a small space can lead to chasing, so a sensible group structure is important.

Good tank mates include other peaceful livebearers, small tetras, rasboras, peaceful barbs, Corydoras catfish and other calm community species that are not fin-nippers. Avoid species that are known for aggression, long-flowing fins or a tendency to prey on smaller fish. Very slow or delicate fish may be stressed by the constant movement of swordtails, especially if the aquarium is cramped.

Where possible, keep a balanced group rather than a lone pair. Swordtails often look and behave better in a suitable social setting, and this can also reduce unwanted attention from dominant fish. As always, fish compatibility depends on size, aquascape and individual temperament, so it is wise to verify your community plan before buying.

Compatible companions

Other peaceful livebearers
Tetras of a similar size
Rasboras
Corydoras catfish
Other calm, non-nippy tropical community fish

Fish to avoid

Large aggressive cichlids
Fin-nipping species
Predatory fish that may eat smaller livebearers
Very delicate or slow-moving species that may be stressed

Breeding

As a livebearer, Xiphophorus helleri can breed readily in the home aquarium when males and females are kept together in suitable conditions. Female swordtails give birth to live young rather than laying eggs, and fry may be eaten by adults if they are not given protection. Because of this, breeding can happen more easily than some keepers expect.

If you do not intend to breed them, consider your stocking mix carefully. A single male with multiple females is a common approach in many home aquariums, but even then fry may appear if females are already carrying young. Dense planting and floating cover can help improve fry survival if you are intentionally breeding, while separation or species management may be needed if you are not.

Breeding success depends on good feeding, stable water and appropriate tank mates. Since exact spawning or gestation results can vary, always verify your setup and be prepared for extra fry if sexes are mixed.

Health & Common Issues

Like many livebearers, swordtails are generally hardy, but their health is closely tied to water quality, diet and avoiding overcrowding. Stress from poor conditions can lead to clamped fins, fading colour, reduced appetite and increased susceptibility to disease. Stable, clean water and careful acclimation are the best defences against common problems.

Watch for signs such as frayed fins, flashing, loss of appetite, white spots, rapid breathing or unusual hiding. These may indicate water quality issues or illness. Because symptoms can overlap, it is important to test your water promptly and verify your parameters if a problem arises. Do not assume a fish is healthy simply because it is active on arrival; acclimation and tank conditions matter.

New fish should always be quarantined where possible before being added to an established aquarium. This helps protect existing stock and gives you time to observe behaviour and feeding. Feed a varied diet, avoid sudden changes and keep up with maintenance for the best long-term results.

Maintain excellent water quality with regular changes
Quarantine new arrivals when possible
Feed a varied, moderate diet
Watch for stress, fin damage and appetite changes
Verify water values if the fish show unusual behaviour

Buying From Us

Your Swordtail Koi Tricolour will be dispatched from Tropical Fish Co at a shipping size of 4 - 5 cm. We take care to pack live fish properly for transit so they arrive in the best possible condition. On arrival, allow the fish to acclimate slowly to your aquarium and avoid feeding heavily on the first day.

We are a UK specialist aquarium shop, and our focus is on healthy livestock, careful packing and honest product information. If you are unsure whether your tank is suitable, please check your water parameters before ordering and verify that the species is compatible with your current community. Because exact preferences can vary by strain and local conditions, a responsible setup is always the safest approach.

Our live fish listings are designed to help you buy with confidence. We recommend a mature tropical aquarium, sensible stocking levels and stable water conditions for the best results. If you are preparing a new tank, let it cycle fully before introducing fish, and make sure the system is ready for active livebearers before adding this colourful swordtail variety.