Santa Claus Swordtail Live Freshwater Fish (Xiphophorus hellerii) - Albino Koi Breed

Bring the vibrant holiday spirit into your aquarium year-round with our stunning Santa Claus Swordtails (Xiphophorus hellerii). Also known as Albino Koi Swordtails, these highly sought-after live freshwater community fish feature a brilliant, contrasting bright red-orange and crisp white pattern that perfectly mimics the classic "Santa" look.

Our healthy, active fish are raised in a densely planted ecosystem alongside ornamental snails and shrimp, ensuring they adapt beautifully to a thriving home aquarium environment.

Available Options:

Adult Males: Stunning mature specimens featuring the signature, elegant long "swordtail" extension on the lower caudal fin. 

Unsexed Juveniles: Fast-growing young fish showing early signs of their striking red-and-white patterns. Perfect for hobbyists who want to watch their fish mature and develop full coloration over time.

Quick Care Stats & Water Parameters

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii var. "Santa Claus" / "Albino Koi"
• Care Level: Easy (Great for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike)
• Temperament: Peaceful; excellent community fish
• Max Size: 4 to 5 inches (excluding the male's sword)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger
• Temperature: 70°F – 78°F
• Water Hardness (gH): 10–20 dGH (They thrive in moderately hard water)
• pH: 7.0 – 8.3
• Diet: Omnivorous. Highly accept high-quality flake foods, bottom-feeder pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, and high-protein meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Santa Claus swordtails eat?

Santa Claus swordtails are active omnivores. They happily eat high-quality tropical flakes, micropellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, and brine shrimp. Because they enjoy grazing on biofilm and algae, they are completely safe to house in planted tanks.

Are Santa Claus swordtails peaceful community fish?

Yes, swordtails are famously peaceful, active swimmers. They make fantastic tankmates for other community livebearers (like platies and mollies), tetras, danios, corydoras catfish, and larger ornamental snails. As shown in image_4.png, they thrive in community setups.

How do you tell a male from a female Santa Claus swordtail?

Adult males are easily distinguished by their long, prominent tail extension—the "sword"—projecting from the bottom of their tail fin, as well as their specialized anal fin called a gonopodium. Females and young juveniles lack this long sword extension.

Do Santa Claus swordtails breed easily?

Like most livebearers, swordtails breed readily in well-maintained aquariums. Providing plenty of live floating plants or dense mosses gives newborn fry a safe place to hide and grow.