Sanke Koi Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri)

An aquarium hobby classic, the swordtail is a livebearing species found through parts of Central America but it has been bred worldwide for the aquarium hobby for decades. In that time, the wild form has been developed in to dozens of varieties and color forms, including the popular red brick, tuxedo, pineapple, and many more. The Sanke Koi Swordtail or Showa Koi Swordtail is distinguished by its vivid red and white coloration with black spots. A peaceful, hardy, and active fish, they are often recommended for beginners due to their ease of care. Male swordtails display the prominent lower tail fin extension that the species is named for, and females tend to be larger and more heavy bodied.