Green Swordtails make great community fish. They are a small size, hardy and generally peaceful fish. Their exotic appearance makes them a highly attractive fish for any aquarium.

Green Swordtails are a peaceful, non-aggressive fish. However, if more than one male is kept with one female, the males will become aggressive towards each other. This should be avoided if possible. Otherwise, they make great community fish. Green Swordtails should not be put into tanks with fish that like to nip at fins, like Tiger Barbs. Their large fins become great targets for these fish. Their tanks can be small to large sized, with light to moderate rock and plant decorations. The Green Swordtails should have a few hiding places, but they also need plenty of space to swim.

The Green Swordtails get their name from the shape of their tail fin. The lower part of the Green Swordtail's tail fin is elongated and has the appearance of a sword. Also, their bodies are mostly green with a few shades of red and some black extremities. At maturity, Green Swordtails will reach a size of three to four inches. The elongated, sword shaped tail fin will be less prominent on females and females will tend to be larger than males.

Green Swordtails, or Xiphorphorus helleri, are originally from Central America. They were brought to Europe, however, where they were bred to make new varieties.

Green Swordtails are an easy fish to care for. They need little attention and are rather hardy. Their water temperature should be in a range between 70 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit and the water should be hard and slightly alkaline, with a pH between seven and eight. They are not meticulous eaters and can be fed flake foods regularly. They should be given live foods, such as bloodworms, glass worms and tubifex worms occasionally, as a treat. They will also eat algae that grow in their tank.

Green Swordtails are not difficult to breed. Green Swordtails are livebearers and when breeding, they will produce 20 to 80 fry. Females should be separated before giving birth. Once born, the fry should be separated from the mother and fed powdered flake foods.