The Velvet Swordtail is an easy to keep, peaceful, live-bearing fish. They come in many color variations as well as fin and tail variations. The most common varieties include: Red Wag, Red Velvet, Marigold, Black Nubian, Pineapple, and Neon Swordtail. The males have an extension on the lower part of their tails, resembling a sword. Swordtails are jumpers, so be sure to provide an adequte cover the aquarium. These fish are very popular with all aquarists, from beginners to advanced.

Swordtails require a tank of at least 20 gallons that is well-planted with plenty of room for swimming. Because of their peaceful nature, Swordtails are well suited for the community aquarium, although they will sometimes eat fry. Males can be aggressive toward one another so care should be taken when housing more than one.

Swordtails are livebearers and can give birth to as many as 80 fry at one time. The gestation period is 4-6 weeks. A spawning box is recommended, or if one is not available, dense floating cover should be provided to protect the fry from the adults. Once sex is determined, the males should be separated because swordtails can begin breeding at as young as three months of age.

The Swordtail is an omnivore that will eat commercially prepared flaked foods and algae as well as freeze dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.