Montezuma swordtail

Xiphophorus montezumae

A very long male sword needs consideration in handling and community choices.

This silver-green male has flank and caudal-base blotches, a patterned dorsal and a long lower caudal sword. Females and younger males differ.

Natural habitat: Native to waters of northeastern Mexico in Tamaulipas, northern Veracruz and San Luis Potosí.

Keep at 18–22°C and pH 8–8.5.

Appearance and identification

The montezumae has a long sword and prominent marked dorsal; the yellow pygmaeus male is slender without a long sword.

Males display and pursue. One male with two or three females works for breeding.

Allow for the long sword when assessing space and handling.

Accepts flakes with suitable frozen or live foods, including regular Artemia nauplii for adults.

Keep with its own species to avoid sword nipping.

Fine-leaved plants provide retreat and fry cover.

Sources