Xiphophorus hellerii

(Heckel, 1848)

Vernacular names
English : Green swordtail
French : Xipho, Porte-épée

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Cyprinodontiformes
Family : Poeciliidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adult females can grow to 12 cm, males to 10 cm. Very long sword-shaped tail extension which is yellow or red edged with black. Males can be green with red bands or entirely red. Females are translucent grey-beige.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in extreme south USA and central America, from Mexico to north-west Honduras. Often found in fast flowing rivers, usually around thick aquatic vegetation.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a very large range but has been overcollected in some parts for the pet trade. As the species is farmed, this threat has lessened.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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