Neon Swordtail Male

The Neon Swordtail is a modern captive strain developed by introducing iridescent blue lateral stripe genes into an already vivid red swordtail background. The result is a fish that combines a neon-intensity red body with a glowing electric-blue horizontal stripe running from eye to caudal peduncle — a combination that is almost startlingly vivid under aquarium lighting.

The neon effect is most pronounced under blue-spectrum LED lighting, which causes the lateral stripe to fluoresce brilliantly. Males also develop a full red sword that extends the body's warm tones.

This variety requires standard swordtail care but benefits from LED lighting with blue output to fully showcase its neon colouration.

Water: 20–26 °C, pH 7.0–8.0, moderate to hard water. Tank: 100 L minimum; LED lighting with blue spectrum best for neon effect; plants and open swimming. Feeding: Varied flake and pellet with colour-enhancing foods; live/frozen supplements beneficial. Breeding: Prolific; neon stripe expression varies in fry; select most vivid specimens for breeding. Compatibility: Peaceful; avoid fin-nippers; one male per group recommended.