Black Swallow Medaka

Black Swallow Medaka key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

2-3 years

Size

Up to about 4cm SL

Temperature

18〜28℃

Diet

Prepared medaka food, green water

Lighting

The black body stands out in a white container, while the extended fins read best from the side. The Medaka Web Encyclopedia recommends outdoor keeping and suggests shading half the container in summer.

Diet & Nutrition

Commercial prepared medaka food is the staple, given in an amount finished within a few minutes. Leftovers decay and foul the water, so adjust the quantity. Green water rich in phytoplankton suits fry rearing.

Water Temperature & Quality

Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline water is considered ideal, and the water drifts toward acidic as keeping continues. Around one water change per week is the guideline, and because sudden shifts in temperature or pH cause stress, acclimatise new fish by floating the bag. FishBase records the wild water chemistry of this species as pH 7.0-8.0 and hardness 9-19 dH.

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Elongated fins are easily damaged by obstructions or crowding, so keep the container uncluttered and the stocking light. A peaceful schooling fish, normally kept as a group of the same variety. One litre of water per fish is the guideline against overcrowding; overstocking causes poor growth, reduced breeding, oxygen shortage and water fouling.

Breeding

Outdoors the spawning season runs from about April to October, once water reaches 18C or above with 12-13 hours of daylight. For year-round indoor breeding, 25-28C water and over 13 hours of lighting are the guideline. Eggs hatch at a cumulative 250 degree-days, about 10 days at 25C.

Health & Notes

As a black that does not respond to the background, the fish should stay black rather than turning grey in a white container, and that is the check for selection. The extended swallow fins are easily damaged, so avoid obstructions and crowding in the container.

About Black Swallow Medaka

Black Swallow (Kagetora) is an improved medaka with a deep black body and elegant swallow-type fins, developed in 2015. Suited to keepers with some experience, it's prized for its gracefully flowing fins.

7 things to know before welcoming a Black Swallow Medaka

1. 1No Background Color Change

   Black Swallow retains its deep black color regardless of tank background or lighting, thanks to pigmentation that doesn't react to its surroundings. This means the jet-black hue stays consistently striking rather than fading.

2. 2Elongated Swallow Fins

   True to its name, this variety has fin rays in the tail and dorsal fin that grow noticeably longer than standard. The degree of elongation varies between individuals, so watching the fins develop as the fish matures is part of the appeal.

3. 3Best for Experienced Keepers

   Expression of color and fin length varies from fish to fish, so some prior keeping experience helps maintain their best features. First-time medaka keepers may want to start with a hardier variety before taking this one on.

4. 4Swimming Considerations

   The elongated fins can make swimming somewhat less agile than standard-bodied medaka. Avoid strong filter currents and provide a calm environment to reduce strain on the fish.

5. 5The "Kagetora" Name

   Among Black Swallow medaka, the line with a body shape close to the standard type is called "Kagetora." It was developed in 2015 by breeder Yukio Oba, establishing this combination of black coloring and swallow fins.

6. 6Choosing Tankmates

   Because of their fins, Black Swallows may struggle to compete for food with more active swimmers. Pairing them with other swallow-type or calm-swimming medaka helps reduce stress.

7. 7Before Bringing One Home

   Acclimate new fish slowly to avoid sudden shifts in water temperature or chemistry. Prepare a layout with plants for cover and no sharp edges that could snag the long fins.

Frequently asked questions about Black Swallow Medaka

Q.What kind of variety is Black Swallow (Kagetora)?

A.It's an improved medaka combining a deep black body that doesn't fade with the background and swallow-type fins with elongated fin rays. Developed in 2015 by Yukio Oba, the line with a standard body shape is called "Kagetora."

Q.Is it suitable for beginners?

A.This variety is generally considered better suited to keepers with some experience. First-timers may want to get comfortable with basic water quality management using a hardier variety first.

Q.Can it be kept with other medaka?

A.Mixing is possible, but the elongated fins can make swimming somewhat less agile, so calmer tankmates are recommended. It's also best to avoid strong water currents.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.It reaches a standard body length of up to about 4cm. Growth rate and final size vary somewhat between individuals.

Q.What does "swallow" refer to in the name?

A.It refers to a trait where fin rays in the tail, dorsal fin, and elsewhere grow noticeably longer than usual. In Black Swallow, these elongated fins combine with the black body to create an elegant swimming appearance.

Useful tools for Black Swallow Medaka care

Learn more about Black Swallow Medaka in the encyclopedia

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