Swordtail Kohaku

Water Temperature & Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• pH: 7.0–8.3
• Hardness: 10–25 dGH
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
• Minimum tank size: 20 gallons (75 liters)

Stable water conditions are very important. Avoid sudden changes in temperature or pH.

Body Features

• Adult size: 10–12 cm (4–5 inches)
• Color: White body with red‑orange patches (Kohaku pattern)
• Males: Have a long tail “sword” extension
• Females: Rounder, no sword tail
• Lifespan: 3–5 years

Healthy fish should have smooth scales, clear eyes, and intact fins.

Feeding Guide

• Staple diet: High-quality tropical flakes or pellets
• Protein supplements (2–3 times weekly): Brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia
• Vegetables: Blanched spinach or zucchini
• Feeding frequency: 1–2 times daily, give only what they can eat in a few minutes

Behavior

• Active and social
• Generally peaceful community fish
• Males may chase other males; best ratio is 1 male to 2–3 females
• Swim mostly in the middle and upper areas of the tank
• Livebearers — females give birth to free-swimming fry

Friendly Tank Mates

Good tank mates:

• Platies, Mollies, Guppies
• Small tetras, Danios
• Corydoras catfish
• Peaceful invertebrates like Nerite snails

Avoid fin-nippers, aggressive species, and very small shrimp.