Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Swordtail's adult size and activity level. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Swordtail.
What Swordtail costs in South Africa
11 price points from 6 shops over 90 days
R20
cheapest of 6 shops today
↤ R39med R45R65
Great price−56%Up 16.5% versus the previous two months
SA median R45 across 6 shops over the last 90 days.
7 shops
Community Marketplace
Fellow hobbyists may also be selling Swordtail.
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
Named for the distinctive sword-like extension on the lower part of the male's tail fin, the Swordtail is a larger and very active livebearer. They come in many beautiful color varieties and are generally peaceful, though males can sometimes be boisterous with each other. A spacious tank is recommended to accommodate their active swimming.
Key traits
peaceful
shoaling
community
small
easy
omnivore
Compatibility
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Care guide
Everything you need to keep Swordtail healthy in a South African setup.
Water parameters
Keep pH 7–8.4 and 22–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Swordtail is an omnivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for freshwater fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Behaviour
Swordtail is generally peaceful. Observe during feeding and at lights-out for true temperament.
Tankmates
Pair with similarly sized peaceful tankmates in freshwater fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding
Breeding notes for Swordtail vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
Settling this fish in?
Condition the tap water, seed the filter, test through the first weeks — most early losses trace back to one of those.
3-PIECE KIT
Availability confirmed with the distributor before dispatch · free delivery over r750
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.
Photo by FishHubAdmin
Market intelligence
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
Price history — last 90 days
SA price range this month: R20–85 · Average: R34
This data is unique to FishHub
Demand by province
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Often kept with
Real pairwise verdicts for Swordtail, not a same-category guess. Always confirm adult size and your tank's specifics before buying.
- Often kept together
Pristella Tetra
Pristella maxillaris
- Often kept together
Black Ruby Barb
Pethia nigrofasciata
In a 75L+ tank
- Often kept together
Giant Gourami
Osphronemus goramy
In a 1000L+ tank
- Often kept together
Corydoras Julii
Corydoras julii
- Often kept together
Red-bellied Pacu
Piaractus brachypomus
In a 1500L+ tank
- Often kept together
Orange Sakura Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var. 'Orange Sakura'
- Often kept together
Black Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
- Often kept together
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis