{"product_id":"albino-red-cauliflower-swordtail-xiphophorus-hellerii","title":"Albino Red Cauliflower Swordtail - Xiphophorus hellerii","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlbino Red Cauliflower Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Albino Red Cauliflower Swordtail, Xiphophorus hellerii, is a colourful captive-bred livebearer strain with a pale albino base, red to orange patterning and ornamental finnage that may show a fuller, ruffled or “cauliflower” appearance depending on the line. Males develop the classic swordtail extension on the lower tail, while females are usually larger and fuller-bodied. This active hard-water community fish is best suited to mature, well-filtered aquariums with stable mineral content, open swimming room and peaceful tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlbino Red Cauliflower Swordtail, Red Albino Swordtail, Cauliflower Swordtail, Red Swordtail, Fancy Swordtail, Green Swordtail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eXiphophorus hellerii\u003cbr\u003eCaptive-bred albino red cauliflower strain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMales usually around 10–14 cm including the sword. Females may reach around 12–16 cm and are often fuller-bodied than males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFreshwater; can tolerate slightly brackish conditions, but normally kept in freshwater aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Albino Red Cauliflower form is a captive-bred ornamental strain and does not occur as a wild population. Wild Xiphophorus hellerii is native to North and Central America, where it occurs in freshwater to mildly brackish habitats such as streams, rivers, warm springs, weedy canals and ponds with vegetation and open swimming areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTemperature: 22–28°C\u003cbr\u003epH Range: 7.0–8.0\u003cbr\u003eHardness or Salinity: Moderately hard to hard freshwater preferred; avoid very soft, acidic water. Stable minerals, clean water and regular maintenance are important for long-term livebearer health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeaceful but active. Albino Red Cauliflower Swordtails are suitable for community aquariums with robust, non-aggressive tank mates that enjoy similar hard-water conditions. Males may chase females and compete with rival males, so mixed groups are best kept with more females than males where possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOmnivorous. Offer quality tropical flakes, livebearer pellets, small granules, spirulina flakes, algae-based foods, frozen daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, bloodworm and occasional vegetable foods such as blanched courgette or spinach. A varied diet with plant matter helps support colour, digestion and overall condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA minimum of 120 litres is recommended for a small group, with larger aquariums preferred. Swordtails are active swimmers and appreciate a longer aquarium with open swimming space rather than a cramped setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn active upper-to-midwater livebearer that spends much of its time swimming in open areas, browsing plants and displaying. Males use the sword-shaped tail extension during courtship and rivalry. Females give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs, and breeding can be frequent if both sexes are kept together. Dense plants and floating cover help fry survive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCommunity Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSuitable with peaceful hard-water community fish such as platies, mollies, larger guppies, peaceful rainbowfish, hardy tetras that tolerate alkaline water, bristlenose plecos, snails and Corydoras kept within suitable conditions. Avoid aggressive cichlids, large predators, persistent fin-nippers and very soft-water specialists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeep in a mature, well-filtered aquarium with stable hardness, stable temperature and regular water changes. Avoid very soft acidic water, overcrowding and sudden temperature drops. Provide plants, open swimming room and a secure lid, as swordtails are active and can jump. Albino strains may show stress, marks or fin damage more visibly than darker fish, so careful handling and clean water are important. If both sexes are kept together, expect fry and plan stocking accordingly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeginner to intermediate fishkeepers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOccasional in trade \/ Captive-bred colour and fin form\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":46405953323181,"sku":"AG-103732","price":39.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":46405953355949,"sku":"AG-103733","price":44.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":46405953388717,"sku":"AG-103734","price":49.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/AlbinoRedCauliflowerSwordtail-Xiphophorushellerii.jpg?v=1782209580","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/albino-red-cauliflower-swordtail-xiphophorus-hellerii","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}