Pink Comet Swordtail
Pink Comet Swordtail
Species: Xiphophorus hellerii
Growth Form: Slender livebearer with an elongated “sword” extension on the male’s tail
Colouration: Bright pink body with a distinctive red/pink comet-like pattern and flowing tail
Temperament: Peaceful and active; males may occasionally display mild territorial behaviour
Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum
Placement: Middle to upper levels
Lighting: Moderate
Flow: Low to moderate
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding: Quality flakes and pellets supplemented with algae-based foods and occasional frozen foods
Care Level: Easy
Pink Comet Swordtail
Common Names
- Pink Comet Swordtail
- Comet Swordtail
- Pink Swordtail
- Swordtail Fish
Identification
The Pink Comet Swordtail is an attractive freshwater livebearer known for its vibrant pink to reddish coloration and the distinctive elongated lower ray of the male's tail, which resembles a sword. The Comet variety typically features an especially attractive flowing tail pattern, making it a popular choice for colourful community aquariums.
Males are generally smaller and more slender, while females are larger and fuller-bodied and lack the characteristic sword-shaped extension. Adults can reach approximately 4–5 inches (10–13 cm), with males usually being smaller than females.
Behaviour & Role
Pink Comet Swordtails are active, peaceful and energetic community fish. They spend much of their time swimming throughout the middle and upper portions of the aquarium and are best kept with other peaceful community species.
They are social fish and can be maintained in groups. When keeping both males and females, a ratio of one male to two or three females is recommended to help reduce excessive attention from males.
Compatibility & Caution
Pink Comet Swordtails are generally peaceful and make excellent community aquarium inhabitants. Avoid housing them with aggressive or highly territorial fish and species that may continually nip at their flowing fins.
Suitable tank mates include:
- Guppies
- Mollies
- Platies
- Other Swordtails
- Corydoras
- Tetras
- Rasboras
- Peaceful Gouramis
- Other peaceful community fish
Care Level
Easy
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons
- Temperature: 72–80°F (22–27°C)
- pH: 7.0–8.3
- Water Hardness: Moderate to Hard
Pink Comet Swordtails are hardy and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for beginner aquarists. They appreciate clean, well-filtered water, regular water changes and plenty of swimming space.
A varied diet is recommended, including:
- High-quality flakes
- Micro pellets
- Spirulina-based foods
- Algae wafers
- Brine shrimp
- Bloodworms
- Other frozen or freeze-dried foods
Including vegetable-based foods in their diet is beneficial for maintaining good health and natural grazing behaviour.
Tank Mates
Excellent companions include:
- Guppies
- Mollies
- Platies
- Corydoras
- Tetras
- Rasboras
- Peaceful Gouramis
- Other Swordtails
- Other peaceful community fish
Fun Fact
The Swordtail gets its name from the distinctive sword-like extension on the lower portion of the male's tail fin. Swordtails are also livebearers, meaning females give birth to fully developed, free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs.