Kohaku Swordtail

Kohaku Swordtail is a striking color variety of the Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii), named after the famous Japanese koi coloration: white body with vibrant red-orange patches. Kohaku Swordtails are hardy, active, and peaceful freshwater fish that thrive in well-maintained community tanks.

Kohaku Swordtail – Complete Care Guide

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii

• Common Name: Kohaku Swordtail

• Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm), males usually smaller than females

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Temperament: Peaceful, active, mildly territorial males

• Swimming Level: Mid to top

• Care Level: Easy

• Origin: Central America (wild type); Kohaku = selectively bred variety

Tank Requirements

Tip: Males have a long sword-like tail extension; provide space for swimming and showing off.

️ Diet

Omnivore – Easy to feed

Feed a mix of:

• High-quality flakes or micro-pellets (color-enhancing varieties are ideal)

• Blanched veggies (zucchini, spinach, cucumber)

• Frozen/live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia)

• Occasional algae wafers or spirulina for fiber

Avoid overfeeding — feed small amounts 1–2 times daily.

‍‍ Behavior & Tankmates

• Peaceful and social

• Active swimmers, especially males

• Keep in groups of 3+ to reduce aggression among males

✅ Good Tankmates:

• Guppies, Mollies, Platies

• Tetras (non-nippy types)

• Corydoras

• Rasboras

• Gouramis (dwarf varieties)

• Peaceful barbs (like cherry barbs)

• Shrimp and snails (may chase babies)

⚠️ Avoid:

• Betta males (due to similar fin shape)

• Aggressive cichlids

• Tiger barbs (fin nippers)

Breeding Kohaku Swordtails

• Livebearers: Females give birth to free-swimming fry

• Easy to breed in a mixed group (1 male : 2–3 females)

• Separate breeding tank or heavily planted tank helps protect fry

• Adults may eat fry — add floating plants or use breeding boxes

Fun Fact: Female Swordtails can store sperm and give birth multiple times after mating just once!

Water Maintenance

• Weekly water changes (20–30%)

• Stable, clean water prevents disease and stress

• Use a test kit to monitor pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate

⚠️ Common Health Issues

✅ Kohaku Swordtail Care Summary