CALICO LYRE SWORDTAIL

Introduction • Species: Calico Lyretail Swordtail • Common Names: Calico Lyretail Swordtail • Natural Habitat: Native to freshwater rivers and streams in Central America, particularly in Mexico, Honduras, and Belize. Physical Characteristics • Appearance: Known for its vibrant, spotted coloration, typically featuring a mix of orange, black, and white patches. The distinctive lyre-shaped tail and elongated dorsal fins give it a graceful appearance. • Size: Grows up to 5 inches (around 12 cm) in length. • Lifespan: Lives for 3 to 5 years when provided with proper care. Habitat Requirements • Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is required, though larger tanks are recommended for keeping multiple individuals. • Water Conditions: o Temperature: Best kept between 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C). o pH: Prefers a slightly alkaline pH range of 7.0 to 8.4. o Hardness: Medium to hard water is ideal for maintaining their health. • Aquascaping: Provide plants for cover and hiding spots, as well as open swimming areas. Hardy plants like Java fern, hornwort, and anacharis can be good additions. Diet • Primary Diet: Omnivorous, with a preference for plant-based and protein-rich foods. • Supplemental Feeding: Provide a mix of high-quality flake foods, vegetables (such as spinach or zucchini), and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms. • Feeding Frequency: Feed twice a day, ensuring not to overfeed. Compatibility • Temperament: Generally peaceful, but males can show some aggression toward each other, particularly during breeding. Best kept in a community tank with similarly peaceful species. • Suitable Tank Mates: Ideal tank mates include mollies, platies, tetras, and other non-aggressive fish. • Incompatibilities: Avoid pairing with aggressive species or fin-nippers, as they may damage the long, flowing fins of the lyretail swordtail. Care Level • Difficulty: Easy to care for, making them suitable for beginners. • Maintenance: Requires regular water changes and monitoring of water parameters to prevent common issues like fin rot or Ich. Breeding • Reproduction: Calico Lyretail Swordtails are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young. Females can give birth every 4 to 6 weeks, producing up to 80 fry at a time. • Breeding Tank: To increase fry survival, a separate breeding tank or dense vegetation in the main tank is recommended, as adult fish may eat the fry. • Gestation Period: Approximately 28 to 30 days. Economic Considerations • Popularity: These fish are popular among aquarium enthusiasts due to their striking coloration and active behavior. • Pricing: Prices vary depending on the size and quality of the fish, but they are widely available and affordable. Sustainability and Conservation • Wild Population: The species is not currently at risk in the wild, and the majority of Calico Lyretail Swordtails are bred in captivity for the aquarium trade. • Captive Breeding: Most swordtails in the aquarium trade are bred in captivity, ensuring a sustainable supply and reducing pressure on wild populations. Conclusion The Calico Lyretail Swordtail is a visually striking and hardy species that adds color and movement to any community tank. Their easygoing nature and simple care requirements make them a great choice for both novice and experienced aquarists.