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Green Swordtails
 
 

Green Swordtails

(Xiphophorus hellerii)

Description

Green swordtails will reach less than 8cm in length on average, but some individuals may reach up to 16cm. The females are generally larger than the males. These fish range from bronze to olive green in colour with a horizontal red or brown stripe along the sides of their body. The males of this species have a longer section of their tail fin which is where they get the name ‘swordtails’.

Habitat & Distribution

Green swordtails are native to North and Central America in an area ranging from Mexico to Honduras.

Diet

Green swordtails are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants and invertebrates, and occasionally small crustaceans.

Life Span

These fish will live for about 3-5 years on average.

Conservation Status

Least concern.