Swordtail size?

[Heiko]

Just wondering,

What size are mature male and female swordtails?

Also what kind of male : female ratio sould i have in my tank?

Many thanks

 

[BillD]

Females can get quite large, around 4", and males can be more than 6" including tail. generally livebearers are kept at a ratio of 2 females per male.

 

[Heiko]

ok thanks alot bill.

 

[Zezmo]

I had 5 females and 3 males.
The males killed eachother til there was one. He got the females pregnant, then they killed him. Then the females killd eachother... I now have 1 female swordtail... whos pregnant.

 

[mr86mister]

ouch, i wonder why all that happened

 

[Zezmo]

Heh..me too, as I thought they were peaceful fish.

 

[Heiko]

lol,

well ive got 2 males @ the moment and ive had them for 4 weeks now. Im getting rid of 1 and am thinking about buying 2 females.

Any suggestions?

Theyd be in a 20g with 5 green tiger barbs and 1 red finned shark.

 

[dnaelting]

I have 3 females and one male. He must be happy, all three girls are prego, 2 are ready to drop any day. I have heard that based on tank size only a couple of males should be kept per 3-5 females.