Animal Profiles
Fish

Swordtail

Xiphophorus hellerii

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Swordtails are small Central American fishes named for the extended lower tail of mature males. This account follows the green swordtail, whose wild appearance differs from many colourful aquarium strains.

Green swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii), the representative described here.

Green swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii), the representative described here.

Corydoras-adolfoi · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Xiphophorus hellerii is the representative used here. It is native from eastern Mexico towards northwestern Honduras, often using vegetated streams and rivers. Introduced populations elsewhere are a separate part of its history.
Habitat
Rivers and lakes
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Worms, crustaceans, insects and plants supply food.

Classification

Common name
Swordtail
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Xiphophorus hellerii
Taxon rank
species
Order
Cyprinodontiformes
Family
Poeciliidae
Genus
Xiphophorus

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Males have a tail extension.
  • It eats plants and small animals.
  • It is used in genetic research.

Habitat and range

Xiphophorus hellerii is the representative used here. It is native from eastern Mexico towards northwestern Honduras, often using vegetated streams and rivers. Introduced populations elsewhere are a separate part of its history.

Appearance and adaptations

Mature males carry a long straight extension from the lower tail. A lateral stripe runs along the body. Aquarium strains include conspicuous red forms that should not be assumed to represent wild colouring.

Diet and behaviour

Worms, crustaceans, insects and plants supply food. The species is widely kept in aquariums and used for genetic research. Vegetated freshwater habitats provide both feeding areas and cover.

Sources

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