Red Wag Cauliflower Sabertail (Xiphophorus hellerii) Pair

Common Name

Red Wag Cauliflower Sabertail Swordtail

Origin and Habitat

The species Xiphophorus hellerii is native to the Atlantic slope of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Wild swordtails live in spring runs, clear streams, vegetated ditches, and the lower reaches of rivers with slow to moderate flow. Substrates range from sand and fine gravel to rounded stones with leaf litter and submerged plants. The Red Wag Cauliflower Sabertail is a selectively bred aquarium strain that does not occur in the wild, and its care follows that of the wild species.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Swordtails are adaptable and thrive in stable, well oxygenated water. Preferred temperature is 22 to 28°C, which is 72 to 82°F. Wild sites are commonly neutral to alkaline with measurable hardness, often around pH 7.0 to 8.2. We do not recommend chasing or altering water parameters except for special breeding projects. Stable conditions, clean water, and low nitrogen waste are far more important than exact numbers.

Appearance and Size

This strain combines three show traits. Red wag indicates a rich red body with contrasting jet black fins. Cauliflower refers to the tall ruffled dorsal created by extra ray branching, which gives a dramatic sail like profile. Sabertail here means a thicker, broader lower sword formed by dense fin rays and membrane, producing a solid blade like extension that reads as a true saber rather than a narrow streamer. Males carry the gonopodium and the prominent saber. Females are larger bodied with shorter fins and no sword. Adults reach about 10 to 12 cm, which is 4 to 4.7 inches, with males sometimes appearing longer as the heavy lower sword matures.

Diet in the Wild

Wild X. hellerii are omnivores that graze aufwuchs on stones and plants while picking at small invertebrates. They consume soft algae, diatoms, and biofilm along with insect larvae, micro crustaceans, and worms.

Feeding in Captivity

Replicate that mixed menu. Offer quality flakes or pellets with a strong plant component such as spirulina, rotate in blanched greens or vegetable gels, and provide regular portions of live or frozen foods like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and finely chopped bloodworms. Several small feedings suit their natural browsing rhythm and support color, fin condition, and breeding vigor.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Swordtails are lively and social with confident midwater behavior. Males may spar, so furnish line of sight breaks with plants and hardscape. A ratio with more females than males spreads attention and keeps the group calm. A planted community aquarium from about 20 gallons upward gives them room to cruise. Use gentle to moderate filtration, strong aeration, and a secure lid. Fine gravel or sand with rounded stones, driftwood, and dense stems or floating plants provides cover for adults and future fry. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful livebearers, small rainbowfish, rasboras, Corydoras, and gentle algae grazers like Otocinclus.

Breeding

This is a prolific livebearing species that breeds readily when well fed and kept warm and stable.

Conditioning
Provide varied foods with greens and small protein rich items. Maintain very clean water with regular small changes and a steady mid range temperature.

Mating and gestation
Males court with fin displays and quick pursuits. Fertilization is internal. Gestation is usually around four weeks, and diet and temperature can shift timing slightly. Healthy females produce regular broods.

Birth and protection
Fry are fully formed and free swimming at birth. Adults may pick at newborns, so dense plants, moss clumps, and floating mats improve survival by providing refuge. A separate nursery can be used for maximum yield, while well planted display tanks often produce a steady trickle of juveniles without intervention.

Raising fry
Start with finely crushed flakes, powdered fry foods, or live microfoods, then move to newly hatched baby brine shrimp for fast growth and strong color. Keep water very clean with gentle filtration and frequent small top ups. Stable mineral rich water supports skeletal and fin development, which helps maintain cauliflower dorsal quality and the robust sabertail shape.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Xiphophorus hellerii
• Trade name: Red Wag Cauliflower Sabertail Swordtail, selectively bred aquarium form
• Origin: Atlantic slope of Mesoamerica, aquarium strain for color and fin form
• Size: About 10 to 12 cm, which is 4 to 4.7 inches, males may appear longer with the thick saber extension
• Temperature: 22 to 28°C, which is 72 to 82°F
• pH: Commonly around 7.0 to 8.2 in the wild, stability is more important than exact value
• Temperament: Peaceful, active livebearer, males can be mildly territorial
• Diet: Omnivore grazer of algae and small invertebrates
• Breeding: Livebearer with regular broods, plant cover protects fry

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

For a display that pops from across the room, this strain delivers. The clean red body, black fins, tall ruffled dorsal, and the thicker saber tail create a showpiece without sacrificing hardiness. Keep a mixed group in a planted tank, include greens in the diet, and maintain strong aeration. If you enjoy selective breeding, this line offers room to refine dorsal height, saber thickness and symmetry, and depth of red while keeping the easygoing temperament that makes swordtails a favorite in community aquariums.