They are found both in fresh and brackish water in the country of their origin. It grows to a length of 10-12 cm.  An easily recognized species with males have a sword-like extension to the bottom edge of the caudal fin.  Natural species are greenish, with a reddish horizontal stripe and a green sword edged with black. Aquarium varieties include Red, Red-eyed Reds, Wagtail (coloured body, black fins), Green, Tuxedo and Wiesbaden. They are peaceful and suitable for community aquarium. They can also tolerate wide range of water quality for temperature, pH and hardness with optimum water temperature 24-26 °C. It accepts all type of food items including vegetable matter. Females may be slightly deeper in the body and a little longer whereas, males have a long gonopodium. It is a prolific breeder and gives birth to young ones directly. Broods of over 250 young have been reported. They tend to eat their own young ones hence parents should be removed.