Originally described by Heckel in 1848, this variable species is the parent of all modern aquarium strains of swordtails. They come from the Central American high and lowlands from Mexico to Guatemala. The inhabit coastal streams with rapidly moving, well oxygenated water and lots of vegetation. Omnivores like most of the Poeciliads, they feed on plant and animal material in the wild and like a variety of foods in captivity. Large tanks with rapidly moving water and lots of plants, rocks and roots for hiding. Females are drab and olive colored and males are varied. My stock is the spotted variety and the alpha males have a red blush over the lower part of their bodies with long swords.

Mexico and Central America from the Rio Nautla in the north to Guatamala in the south. The extend across Honduras to the Belize River.

5 years

Omnivore

Feed spirulina flakes with freeze dried foods, frozen and live foods. Mine love mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and frozen blood worms.

Dimorphic

The males have a rod-like extension on the tailfin. The females grow larger and lack the sword.

Livebearer

Males breed with receptive females all the time. It takes 7-12 months for fry to reach adulthood.

• Peaceful
• Active
• Good for community tank
• Aggressive only to same species

Easily Obtained