Painted Swordtail
The Painted Swordtail is a wonderful new color morph of the popular Swordtail. As the name suggests, the Painted Swordtail sports a playful color pattern with an overlay of irregular patches of black, as if splashed with black paint. The overall effect is dramatic. The Painted Swordtail is a contradiction that is at once, vibrant yet subdued making it a truly desirable addition soon to be a topic of conversation among swordtail aficionados.
The Swordtail is perhaps the quintessential community aquarium fish. The time-tested popularity of the Swordtail can be attributed to its ease of care, peaceful temperament, and wonderfully diverse fin and color varieties. The most common Swordtail varieties include: Red Wag, Red Velvet, Marigold, Black Nubian, Pineapple, and Neon Swordtail.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Swordtail (Xiphophorus maculatus) |
| Color Pattern | Base vibrant hue with irregular black patches |
| Temperament | Peaceful, social |
| Compatibility | Community tanks with non-aggressive fish |
| Water Conditions | Temperature: 72–82°F, pH: 6.5–7.5 |
FAQ
What makes the Painted Swordtail different from other Swordtail varieties?
The Painted Swordtail features an irregular overlay of black patches across its body, creating a unique and dramatic color pattern that sets it apart from standard Swordtail morphs like Red Wag or Neon Swordtail.
Is the Painted Swordtail suitable for a community aquarium?
Yes, the Painted Swordtail is peaceful and social, making it well-suited for community tanks with other non-aggressive fish.
What are the ideal water conditions for Painted Swordtails?
They thrive in water temperatures between 72–82°F and a pH range of 6.5–7.5.

Christopher Vance –
The Painted Swordtail is stunning in the tank. The black patches add a dynamic contrast to its base color. It’s very active and gets along well with my other community fish. Easy to care for and looks great in a medium-sized aquarium.
Stewart Hemmings –
I’ve had this fish for three months now and it’s still vibrant. The color pattern is unique and eye-catching. It doesn’t stress other fish and stays calm even during feeding times.
Frank Walker –
The fish looks beautiful and the black patches are quite striking. It’s a bit more active than other Swordtails, but still peaceful. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a visually interesting community fish.