Koi Kohaku Red-Eye Swordtail
Koi swordtails, also known as kohaku red-eye swordtails, are bred in Thailand to display a bright red and white pattern similar to the famed kohaku show pattern of Japanese pond koi. Male kohaku swords mature at a very late age, so initially the two sexes are not distinguishable. These fish are show-quality swordtails and stand out in a community tank with their very bright colors. If you order multiple swordtails, we try our best to keep the ratio 50:50 male to female, but like we said, it is very difficult to sex them until they get very mature.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Xiphophorus hellerii (kohaku red-eye) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southern Mexico to Honduras (wild ancestors); bred in Thailand |
FAQ
Are male and female kohaku red-eye swordtails distinguishable when young?
No, male and female kohaku red-eye swordtails are not distinguishable when young. Males typically mature later and develop visible differences only after reaching full maturity.
What is the typical gender ratio in a batch of kohaku red-eye swordtails?
We strive to maintain a 50:50 male to female ratio when ordering multiple fish, but sexing them accurately is difficult until they mature.
Where are these fish bred?
These kohaku red-eye swordtails are bred in Thailand.

Natalie Peters –
The colors are vibrant and the fish are active in the tank. I’ve had them for three months and they’ve adapted well to my community tank. The red and white pattern is very striking and they look like they belong in a show tank.
Neil Churchill –
Great fish with bright colors. I ordered a pair and they seem healthy. I didn’t know they were hard to sex until now, but I’m happy with the overall appearance and behavior.
Dylan Skinner –
Very satisfied with the quality. The fish are lively and the red eyes stand out. I keep them in a 20-gallon tank with other community fish and they coexist well.