The Sanke Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii var. "Sanke") is a beautifully patterned fancy swordtail variety inspired by the classic Sanke koi colour pattern — displaying a white base body with bold patches of red-orange and black, creating a striking tricolour effect that makes each fish uniquely marked. Combined with the characteristic elongated sword extension of the male, the Sanke Swordtail is a truly eye-catching livebearer that brings a koi-inspired aesthetic to the freshwater aquarium. Hardy and easy to keep, it is well-suited to community tanks and livebearer enthusiasts alike.
Care Guide
Tank Size: Minimum 100L; active swimmers that appreciate length; males can be mildly aggressive toward each other — keep one male to multiple females or in a spacious community
Water Parameters: pH 7.0–8.0 | Temp 22–28°C | Adaptable; prefers slightly hard, alkaline water
Diet: Omnivorous — quality flake or micro pellet food; supplement with frozen or live daphnia, brine shrimp, and blanched vegetables
Temperament: Generally peaceful; males may spar with each other — avoid keeping multiple males in small tanks
Tank Setup: Planted aquarium with open swimming areas; floating plants appreciated for fry cover if breeding
