Behaviour
How it lives.
These fish are peaceful and do well in community aquariums. They are active swimmers and enjoy a well-planted tank with open swimming spaces.
All fish
Swordtail / Aquarium Zone · Ballina
Red Cap Swordtail.
Xiphophorus hellerii
Aggressive, and best with robust tankmates of a similar size. Grows to about 6 cm and suits a tank of 20 litres or more.
The fish, up close
More than a beautiful fish.
The Red Cap Swordtail is a vibrant freshwater fish known for its striking red colouration on the head. They have a sleek body with a sword-like extension on the lower part of their tail fin.
Care guide
Build a better match.
Use these notes to shape a setup around the fish, then speak with our team about the tank you have in mind.
Plan your setupTank planning
Set it up well.
Maintain water temperature between 22-26°C, pH level around 7.0-8.0, and provide good filtration. Regular water changes are essential to keep them healthy.
Practical details
Plan the space and routine.
- Origin
- Central America
- Max Size
- 6 cm
- Diet
- Red Cap Swordtails are omnivores and thrive on a diet of high-quality flake food, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
- Tank Recommendation
- A minimum tank size of 20 litres is recommended for a small group of Red Cap Swordtails.
Questions
Plan before you bring one home.
For a specific fish, current stock or a tank setup question, speak with the Aquarium Zone team before travelling.
Contact the storeIs Red Cap Swordtail available at Aquarium Zone in Ballina?
Aquarium Zone regularly helps customers find freshwater fish in Ballina and across the Northern Rivers. Stock changes week to week, so contact the store before visiting if you are looking for Red Cap Swordtail.
Can Aquarium Zone help me decide if Red Cap Swordtail suits my aquarium?
Yes. Bring your tank size, current fish list, setup photos, and any water test results so the team can help with compatibility, stocking, and care advice.
What tank size does Red Cap Swordtail need?
Red Cap Swordtail is listed with this tank recommendation: A minimum tank size of 20 litres is recommended for a small group of Red Cap Swordtails. Ask in-store for advice based on your exact setup and tank mates.
Do you serve customers outside Ballina?
Yes. Aquarium Zone serves aquarium hobbyists from Ballina, Lennox Head, Alstonville, Wollongbar, Bangalow, Byron Bay, Lismore, Evans Head, Mullumbimby, Casino and the wider Northern Rivers.
Aquarium Zone / Ballina
Choose with confidence.
Looking for Red Cap Swordtail? Contact us to confirm current availability and discuss whether it suits your aquarium before making the trip.
18 Southern Cross DriveBallina NSW 2478
(02) 6686 0002