The Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) is a popular freshwater aquarium fish species. It is a member of the Poecilidae family and is therefore live-bearing. It is closely related to the Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) and can interbreed with it. Originally from South America, it has been bred into various hybrid forms for the aquarium hobby due to their hardiness and for being well suited to a community aquarium.
The swordtail has become a nuisance pest as an introduced species in a number of countries. It has caused ecological damage, partially due to its ability to rapidly reproduce in high numbers.
The species is named after the elongated lower lobe of the caudal fin (tailfin). This is only found in the male. There are a number of color varieties including green, black, and red.
See also
References
- "Xiphophorus helleri." FishBase. ed. Froese, R. and D. Pauly (04/2004), URL: Xiphophorus helleri
- "Xiphophorus helleri." ITIS Standard Report. (Integrated Taxonomic Information System: National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., 2004-06-04). ITIS 165920
