average size
Color: Male—body blue green, red line on side. Large dorsal with reddish dots. Ornamental sword may be yellow, orange or green, edged with black. Female—resembles male in color, lacks sword. (Both male and female CRESCENT SWORDTAIL have black crescent at base of caudal.)
Breeding Habits: Live bearers—have 25 to 100 live young every 6 or 7 weeks. When female is “heavy” place her in large vessel heavily stocked with plants. Young swim from mother, seeking safety among plants usually at bottom toward light. Remove female—she will eat fry.
Temperature: 70° to 85° F. Breed best at 75° F.
Maturity: Breed at about 9 months. Male resembles female until full grown; then anal changes to reproducing organ and “sword” develops.
Temperament: Very peaceful. Due to rivalry, stronger male will bully others.
HELLERI (below) (Gold, Red and Black)
Mating a virgin female Swordtail and Platy male, the young inherit the general color of the male and body type of the female, often becoming larger than either parent. Some males develop short sword. A percentage of the offspring are sterile.