Xiphophorus montezumae

(Jordan & Snyder, 1899)

Vernacular names
English : Montezuma swordtail
French : Porte-épée du Montezuma

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

Identification
Maximum length is 6.5 cm for females, males are smaller. Very long sword-shaped tail extension which is yellow edged with black. Body has a bluish tinge with a clear yellow longitudinal band on flanks. Some specimens have black spots.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to North-East Mexico and occurs in the states of Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi and Veracruz (north). Often found in fast flowing rivers, usually around thick aquatic vegetation.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : DATA DEFICIENT
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a very small breeding range and remains numerous in the wild so far. Habitat degradation is the main threat it faces.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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