Lyretail Swordtail

Appearance:

• Slender, streamlined body reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length
• Silvery or golden body with iridescent scales that shimmer in the light
• Unique, lyre-shaped caudal fin with elongated upper and lower lobes
• Males possess a prominent sword-like extension on their lower caudal fin
• Females have a rounded caudal fin and are generally larger than males

Behavior:

• Peaceful and social: Do best in groups of 5 or more.
• Active swimmers: Enjoy exploring all levels of the tank, particularly the middle and upper regions.
• Graceful: Known for their smooth and synchronized movements.
• Omnivorous: Feed on a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, live food, and vegetables.

Care requirements:

• Established freshwater aquarium (minimum 10 gallons for a small group)
• Stable water parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
  • pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Hardness: Moderately hard water
• High water quality with good filtration and regular water changes
• Planted tank with plenty of open swimming space and some hiding places
• Varied diet

Breeding:

Lyretail Swordtails are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young. The females can give birth to 20-40 fry at a time, and the fry are relatively easy to care for.

Popularity:

Lyretail Swordtails are popular choices for community aquariums due to their peaceful nature, captivating appearance, and relatively easy care requirements. However, it is important to note that males can be fin nippers, particularly towards other males or similar species.

Overall, the Lyretail Swordtail is a beautiful and rewarding fish that adds a touch of elegance and vibrancy to any aquarium. Their stunning appearance, peaceful nature, and relatively easy care requirements make them a popular choice for aquarists of all levels.