Northern Mountain Swordtail

Xiphophorus nezahualcoyotl

Northern Mountain Swordtail is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm)
Aquarium size: 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 7–8
GH: 2–10 dGH
KH: 4–8 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 7–8, GH 2–10 dGH, KH 4–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Northern Mountain Swordtail is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Keep at least medium-hard water and avoid a sustained pH below 7; around pH 8 is preferred. Maintain excellent water hygiene and varied suitably sized food.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Mexico.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Araguaia Corydoras Hoplisoma araguaiaense Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Blue Diamond Tetra Alestopetersius smykalai Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Anus Spot Lampeye Killifish Poropanchax stigmatopygus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 0.9" (≤ 2.4 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black-Bellied Limia Limia melanogaster Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Bela Adormecida Tetra Moenkhausia bellasomniosa Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Northern Mountain Swordtail get?

Northern Mountain Swordtail reaches ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm).

What aquarium size does Northern Mountain Swordtail need?

Use an aquarium of at least 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Northern Mountain Swordtail peaceful?

Yes. Northern Mountain Swordtail is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Northern Mountain Swordtail?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.