Marigold Swordtail Care Guide

Xiphophorus hellerii var. Marigold · Freshwater Fish

Marigold Swordtail
AI-generated illustration of Marigold Swordtail
Temperature
72-82°F
pH
7.0-8.3
Suggested tank
30+ gal
Origin
Captive-bred domestic swordtail morph
Family
Poeciliidae

What Marigold Swordtail look like

The Marigold Swordtail is a domestic Xiphophorus hellerii color morph with yellow-orange coloration. Males have the namesake sword extension and a gonopodium; females are swordless and larger-bodied.

Behavior & temperament

Marigold Swordtails are active, hardy livebearers that need a covered aquarium, open swimming room, and hard stable water. Males can be competitive and persistent with females, so stocking balance and cover are important. They are peaceful with many robust community fish.

Diet & feeding

Marigold Swordtails are omnivores. Feed quality flakes or pellets, spirulina foods, blanched greens, daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and occasional frozen foods.

Behind the name

Marigold describes the warm yellow-orange flower-like coloration; swordtail describes the male tail extension.

Plan your tank

Check the numbers before you buy: tank volume, a stocking plan, cycle progress, water changes, and your ongoing care routine.

Keeping Marigold Swordtail?

AquaLens identifies your fish and plants from a photo, tracks water chemistry, and flags health issues early — free on iOS and Android.

Get AquaLens Free