Black Swordtail

Description

Black Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)

A striking dark Swordtail with bold contrast and the same active, hardy livebearer character that makes the species so popular.

Quick Facts

  • Approx. sale size: 4.5cm
  • Adult size: around 12–14cm including the male sword
  • Temperature: 22–27°C
  • pH: around 7.0–8.2
  • Temperament: active, generally peaceful
  • Diet: omnivore

Is this for you?

Ideal for community tanks where you want a darker fish that stands out against green plants, pale substrate and brighter tankmates.

Why choose Black Swordtails?

The deep body colour gives this strain a very different look from the common red and orange forms while keeping familiar Swordtail care.

Benefits

  • Hardy and beginner-friendly
  • Strong visual contrast
  • Active display behaviour
  • Livebearer reproduction

Care made simple

Provide around 80L or more, a secure lid, good filtration, open swimming room and planted cover. Mixed-sex groups do best with more females than males.

Pairs perfectly with

Other peaceful livebearers and medium community fish that favour neutral-to-alkaline water.

NTA Insight: Dark Swordtails show best against bright planting and open foreground space.

FAQ

Are Black Swordtails difficult? No. Their care is comparable to other Swordtail strains.

Do males develop the sword? Yes, as they mature.

Black Swordtail

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Free pickup in our shop(s)
📍 In-Store Locations: OFFLOCATION1
📦 Arrival Date: 14 August 2026

 

$8.95


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Black Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)

    A striking dark Swordtail with bold contrast and the same active, hardy livebearer character that makes the species so popular.

    Quick Facts

    • Approx. sale size: 4.5cm
    • Adult size: around 12–14cm including the male sword
    • Temperature: 22–27°C
    • pH: around 7.0–8.2
    • Temperament: active, generally peaceful
    • Diet: omnivore

    Is this for you?

    Ideal for community tanks where you want a darker fish that stands out against green plants, pale substrate and brighter tankmates.

    Why choose Black Swordtails?

    The deep body colour gives this strain a very different look from the common red and orange forms while keeping familiar Swordtail care.

    Benefits

    • Hardy and beginner-friendly
    • Strong visual contrast
    • Active display behaviour
    • Livebearer reproduction

    Care made simple

    Provide around 80L or more, a secure lid, good filtration, open swimming room and planted cover. Mixed-sex groups do best with more females than males.

    Pairs perfectly with

    Other peaceful livebearers and medium community fish that favour neutral-to-alkaline water.

    NTA Insight: Dark Swordtails show best against bright planting and open foreground space.

    FAQ

    Are Black Swordtails difficult? No. Their care is comparable to other Swordtail strains.

    Do males develop the sword? Yes, as they mature.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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