Blacktail Kohaku Koi Swordtail 5cm

Blacktail Kohaku Koi Swordtail

 

The Blacktail Kohaku Koi Swordtail is a beautiful and vibrant variation of the classic Swordtail, this is a fun-loving, eye-catching fish that can be the life of your community or planted aquarium. These fish are a hit among fish keepers, especially for those who love Koi fish as these swordtails are bred in a way to look like Koi whilst having a unique spin. Being easy to care for and having a friendly temperament, they make a great choice for novice and expert aquarists alike, and they also offer the prospect of a rewarding breeding experience.

 

The Blacktail kohaku koi Swordtails are named after the kohaku pattern seen in koi fish where they have a white body with a red circle in the head area. In these swordtails they have a generally white body wth a deep orange patch around the head and tail area. To add some variation into this classic look, these fish have jet black fins which is most importantly observed in the tail. The front end being orange with the back end being black creates a very unique contrast. Being a top dwelling fish, when looking at them from the top it's quite easy to see how they resemble a koi fish. These are a sight to behold especially when they are in a large school, reaching up to 10 cm when they're fully grown with the sword alone making half of that. Their body is long and slender which stands out very well in an aquarium or pond.

 

Breeding Blacktail kohaku koi Swordtails is something that honestly requires minimal effort in the home aquarium. If there is a tank with both males and females, then getting fry is almost inevitable however it is always better to have a higher ratio of males compared to females. These fish are livebearers, meaning the females give birth to fully formed, free-swimming fry. It's quite a sight when a female swordtail releases her live young however, the parents don't provide any care for their young and may even consider them as a snack. So, it's important to provide ample hiding spots for the fry or move them to a separate tank.

 

Tank Recommendations for your Blacktail Kohaku Koi Swordtail

A minimum tank size of 75 litres is recommended for these fish, though larger is always better considering their active nature and potential size. They love swimming in open spaces, but also appreciate plants and decor for hiding and exploring. These fish spend a lot of their time near the surface of the aquarium and can jump out if there is no lid so this will be required. The water temperature should sit between 22-28°C with a pH level of 7.0 - 8.5.

 

Suitable Tank Buddies

Blacktail Kohaku Koi Swordtails are generally peaceful and can share their home with a variety of fish.

 

Usually Compatible

Most small to medium-sized community fish like tetras, mollies, platies, and peaceful bottom dwellers like Corydoras.

 

Sometimes Compatible

Some larger, boisterous or more active fish, such as larger barbs, severum and Uaru may stress the Swordtails. Betta fish may also view the swordtails to be a competitor and show aggression.

 

Rarely Compatible

Any fin nipping species should be avoided as they might pester the sword tails. Large and aggressive predator fish should be avoided as well since they will predate on the fish.

 

Feeding your Blacktail Kohaku Koi Swordtail

Feeding Blacktail Kohaku Koi Swordtails is a very easy task. They're omnivorous and will happily accept a wide variety of foods. A balanced diet including quality flakes or pellets, along with regular servings of live or frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp, will keep them healthy and their colours vibrant.