Berlin Swordtail Male

The Berlin Swordtail is a traditional European show strain developed in Germany and named for the city where it was refined. It displays a rich, even red body colouration with a clean, well-proportioned lower sword extension — meeting the balanced aesthetic favoured on the European show circuit.

This strain is valued for its relatively robust constitution compared to more intensely inbred show strains, while still delivering high-quality colouration. Males develop full colour and sword length by around six months of age.

The Berlin strain is an excellent choice for hobbyists interested in European swordtail breeding traditions and those wanting a high-impact red swordtail without the fragility of ultra-refined show lines.

Water: 20–27 °C, pH 7.0–8.0, GH 10–20; hard water supports body colour and sword development. Tank: 100 L minimum; long tank preferred; tight lid essential as swordtails jump. Feeding: Quality flake, colour-enhancing foods, live or frozen Artemia; 2–3 meals daily. Breeding: Livebearer; 20–100 fry per brood; separate males to prevent female harassment. Compatibility: Peaceful with similarly sized fish; males may spar; keep one male per tank or in larger groups.