Montezuma Swordtail (Xiphophorus montizumae)

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Montezuma Swordtail

Montezumaeswordtail-3721.jpg
Montezuma Swordtail

Xiphophorus montizumae

76 Litres (20 US G.)

6.4-7.6cm (2.5-3 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

7.0 - 7.8

21.1-25°C (70 -77 °F)

10-15 °d

1:3 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

3-5 years

Family

Poeciliidae

This animal is available captive bred



Additional names

Montezuma Swordtail

Additional scientific names

Montezuma helleri, Xiphophorus montezuma


Origin

Sexing

Males have an exceptionally long "sword" on their tail. Females have a fan shaped anal fin and males have a stick shaped anal fin. They produce up to 50 live fry every 4-8 weeks.

Tank compatibility

This fish is compatible with other similar sized peaceful community fish, although males will display to other Swordtail males. Do not keep with fin-nippers such as Serpae Tetras or Tiger Barbs.

Diet

Will accept a variety of foods including pellets, flake and live/frozen food.

Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

Requires a mature spacious tank which should be well planted with some open swimming space. A soft current is desirable.

Behaviour

An active fish which is happiest in groups (more females than males) and a prolific spawner. Should generally be peaceful although males will display to one another and may do the same to other Swordtail species.

Identification

Males have extremely long "swords" in comparison to other species of swordtails. They generally have pale orange bodies with darker orange striping.

Pictures

External links