Is there a difference between red and red velvet swordtails?

[mollybabes]

I had some swordtails that were this dark red orange that I got from petsmart, then got some ones from petco that were more orangey than red. The ones at petco said red velvet, and the ones at petsmart said just red. I thought they were the same, but I guess not. Can anyone confirm?

Thanks!

[thom336]

To a breeder they are different, to the naked eye of anyone else, they are the same.

[Fisher Price]

reds are more of a dull natural orange color. red velvet are a deep bright red-orange and many times even the eyes are red.

[Slappy*McFish]

I haven't kept any swordtails in "years"...wouldn't mind picking up a few, myself.

[Cearbhaill]

I'd set up a tank in a minute if I could find nice red velvet swords like we had in *the day*.
They were huge, deep vibrant red, and the males had the most outstanding dorsals and black swords. Big, really big females...

The quality has really degraded over the years as far as size and vigor. The ones I see locally are poor imitations of what they used to be, whether they are red, brick red, or red velvet.

[mogurnda]

That's interesting. I haven't really paid attention to livebearers for years, thinking they were too "common." Then I decided I wanted some platies or swords to add a splash of color to a planted tank. It was really hard to find decent stock locally. Little selection, often scrawny. Is that a problem everywhere? Have breeders stopped putting effort into them?

[thom336]

Comercial breeders are putting too much effort into quantity and not enough into quality...your best bet if you want good quality stock is to contact local clubs, or visit a private breeder.

[thom336]

Oh yea, and yes there is a problem everywhere...Im in england with problems of quality!

[Fisher Price]

If I'm not mistaken the only effort put into todays pet store stock is dragging a net accross a man made single species pond in Thailand and dumping the contents into a bag bound for the US. Can you say degenerative inbreeding and desease, I knew you could :(

[Slappy*McFish]

It's a **** shame too...I remember when you could buy wild, green swordtails up to 4"....haven't seen those in ages.

[Faramir]

Agree.

Best way, besides finding a breeder, of getting stock is to buy the best female you can get. She's probably pregnant anyway. The offspring, raised in your tanks with your TLC, have a better chance of being healthy fishes.

[wetmanNY]

We can blame the Asians for gouramis, but we can't blame them for swordtails, raised right here in Florida.

[elgecko]

The one fish store near me has gotten in the green swords a few times. There are huge, and the males sword had to be close to 3". Very impressive looking. I think they sold them for around $8.00 a pair.