Black Hamburg Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) – Striking Dark Livebearer

⚫ Black Hamburg Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) – Striking Dark Livebearer

The Black Hamburg Swordtail is a beautiful, selectively bred swordtail variety known for its rich black coloration paired with the iconic elongated “sword” tail. Elegant, active, and hardy, this morph brings a bold, dramatic contrast to planted community aquariums.

Black Hamburg Swordtails are peaceful livebearers that thrive in groups, making them an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

🌟 Key Features

⚫ Deep Jet-Black Body – Rare and eye-catching color morph
🐠 Classic Swordtail Extension – Long, elegant lower tail fin
🌿 Great for Planted Tanks – Stunning against green backgrounds
💧 Hardy & Beginner Friendly – Adaptable to a wide range of water parameters
🐣 Easy to Breed – Classic livebearer reproduction
🤝 Peaceful Community Fish – Compatible with most non-aggressive species

⚙️ Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii
• Common Name: Black Hamburg Swordtail
• Adult Size: 4–5.5 inches
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivore – flakes, pellets, spirulina, frozen foods
• Tank Size: 20 gallons+
• Temperature: 72–82°F
• pH Range: 7.0–8.2
• Water Hardness: Moderate–hard

💡 Tank Setup Tips

• Provide plants for cover (Vals, hornwort, swords, floaters)
• Maintain 1 male to 2–3 females
• Ideal tankmates: mollies, guppies, platys, corydoras, rainbows, danios
• Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species
• Use a lid—Swordtails are known jumpers

❓ FAQ

Q: Are Black Hamburg Swordtails rare?
A: Yes—this black morph is less common than traditional color varieties.

Q: Can they live with other swordtails and livebearers?
A: Yes—very peaceful and compatible.

Q: Do they maintain their deep black color?
A: Yes—especially with good diet and low stress.

Q: Are they easy to breed?
A: Very—female swordtails give birth to live fry regularly.