Red Velvet Swordtail Male

The Red Velvet Swordtail is the archetypal fancy swordtail, developed through selective breeding to produce an intensely uniform crimson-red body with a matching red sword bordered in black. The depth and richness of the 'velvet' red colouration is what distinguishes quality specimens from less intensely coloured red swordtails.

This variety has been one of the best-selling freshwater fish in the world for decades, combining spectacular colour with the hardiness and ease of care that characterises all swordtail varieties. Males are active and dynamic, constantly displaying to females and rivals.

For best results keep one male with three or more females to reduce the male's constant attention to individual females.

Water: 20–26 °C, pH 7.0–8.0, moderate to hard; colour intensifies in harder water. Tank: 100 L minimum; plants along sides; open central swimming space; secure lid as swordtails jump. Feeding: Varied flake, pellets, live/frozen food; colour-enhancing diet maintains velvet red. Breeding: Prolific; fry large and robust; no parental care required. Compatibility: Peaceful toward other species; maintain 1 male per group or in a large tank with multiple males.