Blood Red Cauliflower Hi-Fin Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)

Description

Blood Red Cauliflower Hi-Fin Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)

With its intense blood-red colour, dramatic cauliflower-style dorsal fin and elegant sword extension in mature males, the Blood Red Cauliflower Hi-Fin Swordtail is one of the most eye-catching livebearers available. Hardy, peaceful and full of personality, it's an excellent choice for colourful community aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Xiphophorus hellerii
  • Common name: Blood Red Cauliflower Hi-Fin Swordtail
  • Current size: 3–5 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 10–12 cm (including the male's sword)
  • Tank size: 75L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful and active
  • Sold as unsexed. Male, female or mixed groups may be supplied depending on availability.

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want a vibrant feature fish for your community aquarium.
  • You enjoy hardy, beginner-friendly livebearers.
  • You're interested in breeding Swordtails.
  • You appreciate unusual finnage and brilliant colours.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
  • You have a very small aquarium.
  • You don't want fish that may reproduce.
  • Your aquarium has unstable water conditions.

Why choose Blood Red Cauliflower Hi-Fin Swordtails?

This premium Swordtail variety is instantly recognisable by its rich blood-red colouration and spectacular enlarged "cauliflower" dorsal fin. Mature males also develop the iconic sword extension on the lower lobe of the tail, creating an elegant profile that has made Swordtails one of Australia's favourite livebearers.

These active fish are constantly exploring the aquarium and quickly become confident around their keeper, often gathering at the front of the glass during feeding time. Their peaceful nature makes them excellent companions for a wide range of community fish.

⚠️ This listing is for juvenile fish sold as unsexed. As juveniles are often too young to reliably sex, orders may contain males, females or a mixture of both depending on current availability. The product photos show mature male and female examples to illustrate the appearance of adult fish.

Benefits

  • Intense blood-red colouration
  • Spectacular cauliflower-style high dorsal fin
  • Hardy and beginner friendly
  • Peaceful community fish
  • Easy to breed in suitable aquariums
  • Outstanding feature fish for planted aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–28Β°C
  • pH: 7.0–8.2
  • Diet: Quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods and vegetable-based foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered
  • Setup: Planted aquarium with open swimming space and moderate water movement
  • If keeping mixed sexes, a ratio of one male to two or more females is recommended once the fish mature.
  • Perform regular partial water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Platies
  • Mollies
  • Corydoras
  • Honey Gouramis
  • Bristlenose Catfish
NTA Insight:
Blood Red Cauliflower Hi-Fin Swordtails continue to develop their colour and finnage as they mature. Juveniles may appear less impressive initially, but with excellent nutrition, stable water quality and time, males develop their signature sword extension and impressive cauliflower dorsal fin, while females grow larger with a fuller body shape.

FAQ

Are these fish male or female?

This listing is sold as unsexed juvenile fish. Orders may contain males, females or a mixture of both depending on availability. We cannot guarantee specific sexes for this listing.

How can I tell males from females?

As they mature, males develop the characteristic sword extension on the tail and a modified anal fin called a gonopodium. Females lack the sword and usually have a larger, deeper body.

How big do they grow?

Adults typically reach around 10–12 cm, with males appearing longer because of their sword extension.

Are they suitable for beginners?

Yes. Swordtails are one of the hardiest freshwater livebearers and are an excellent choice for beginners.

Will they breed in my aquarium?

Yes. If both males and females are present, healthy Swordtails readily breed in suitable aquarium conditions and females can produce live fry approximately every four to six weeks.

Blood Red Cauliflower Hi-Fin Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)

Product form
Free pickup in our shop(s)
πŸ“ In-Store Locations: TT32
πŸ“¦ Arrival Date: 22 May 2026

6 in stock  

$15.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Blood Red Cauliflower Hi-Fin Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)

    With its intense blood-red colour, dramatic cauliflower-style dorsal fin and elegant sword extension in mature males, the Blood Red Cauliflower Hi-Fin Swordtail is one of the most eye-catching livebearers available. Hardy, peaceful and full of personality, it's an excellent choice for colourful community aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Xiphophorus hellerii
    • Common name: Blood Red Cauliflower Hi-Fin Swordtail
    • Current size: 3–5 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 10–12 cm (including the male's sword)
    • Tank size: 75L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful and active
    • Sold as unsexed. Male, female or mixed groups may be supplied depending on availability.

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want a vibrant feature fish for your community aquarium.
    • You enjoy hardy, beginner-friendly livebearers.
    • You're interested in breeding Swordtails.
    • You appreciate unusual finnage and brilliant colours.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
    • You have a very small aquarium.
    • You don't want fish that may reproduce.
    • Your aquarium has unstable water conditions.

    Why choose Blood Red Cauliflower Hi-Fin Swordtails?

    This premium Swordtail variety is instantly recognisable by its rich blood-red colouration and spectacular enlarged "cauliflower" dorsal fin. Mature males also develop the iconic sword extension on the lower lobe of the tail, creating an elegant profile that has made Swordtails one of Australia's favourite livebearers.

    These active fish are constantly exploring the aquarium and quickly become confident around their keeper, often gathering at the front of the glass during feeding time. Their peaceful nature makes them excellent companions for a wide range of community fish.

    ⚠️ This listing is for juvenile fish sold as unsexed. As juveniles are often too young to reliably sex, orders may contain males, females or a mixture of both depending on current availability. The product photos show mature male and female examples to illustrate the appearance of adult fish.

    Benefits

    • Intense blood-red colouration
    • Spectacular cauliflower-style high dorsal fin
    • Hardy and beginner friendly
    • Peaceful community fish
    • Easy to breed in suitable aquariums
    • Outstanding feature fish for planted aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–28Β°C
    • pH: 7.0–8.2
    • Diet: Quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods and vegetable-based foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered
    • Setup: Planted aquarium with open swimming space and moderate water movement
    • If keeping mixed sexes, a ratio of one male to two or more females is recommended once the fish mature.
    • Perform regular partial water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Platies
    • Mollies
    • Corydoras
    • Honey Gouramis
    • Bristlenose Catfish
    NTA Insight:
    Blood Red Cauliflower Hi-Fin Swordtails continue to develop their colour and finnage as they mature. Juveniles may appear less impressive initially, but with excellent nutrition, stable water quality and time, males develop their signature sword extension and impressive cauliflower dorsal fin, while females grow larger with a fuller body shape.

    FAQ

    Are these fish male or female?

    This listing is sold as unsexed juvenile fish. Orders may contain males, females or a mixture of both depending on availability. We cannot guarantee specific sexes for this listing.

    How can I tell males from females?

    As they mature, males develop the characteristic sword extension on the tail and a modified anal fin called a gonopodium. Females lack the sword and usually have a larger, deeper body.

    How big do they grow?

    Adults typically reach around 10–12 cm, with males appearing longer because of their sword extension.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    Yes. Swordtails are one of the hardiest freshwater livebearers and are an excellent choice for beginners.

    Will they breed in my aquarium?

    Yes. If both males and females are present, healthy Swordtails readily breed in suitable aquarium conditions and females can produce live fry approximately every four to six weeks.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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