Family: Poeciliidae
A peaceful omnivore poeciliidae from Central America (Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras) — beginner-friendly.
A Poeciliidae species: Xiphophorus hellerii lives mid-water swimmer over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Peaceful. Adults reach 9.8–14 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Xiphophorus species we profile, alongside Xiphophorus maculatus, Xiphophorus variatus.
Difficulty: easy. Peaceful. Solitary, pairs or small groups.
Hold 22–28 °C and keep it stable — 22–28 °C recorded range. Standard heater to hold the mid-range steadily.
Expect 9.8–14 cm as an adult, living mid-water swimmer. A 140 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Peaceful. Recommended tankmates: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, Striped Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acheilognathus gracilis — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.
Native to 中美洲（墨西哥、危地马拉、洪都拉斯）, where it lives in clear streams, rivers and still waters. Moderate flow; Average oxygen needs.
In the aquarium: livebearer; females give birth to free-swimming fry; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.