Image for Swordtail Fish
Swordtail Fish
About Swordtail Fish
Swordtail Fish (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a freshwater fish with a long, pointed lower caudal fin. This stripe-patterned fish can feed on insects, worms, zooplankton, snails, and algae. These peaceful fish should be cared for at water temperatures between 70° F and 82° F, pH 7.0-8.0, with a minimum tank size of 15 gallons.
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Common Name
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Green Swordtail
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Conservation Status
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Extinct (EX)
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Taxonomy
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Scientific name
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Xiphophorus hellerii
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Species
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Xiphophorus hellerii
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Genus
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Xiphophorus
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SubFamily
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Macropodinae
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Family
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Poeciliidae
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SuperFamily
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Poecilioidea
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SubOrder
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Cyprinodontoidei
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Order
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Cyprinodontiformes
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Class
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Actinopterygii
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Phylum
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Chordata
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Characteristics
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Get to know the traits and characteristics of the Swordtail Fish |
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Color
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Orange
Black
White
Yellow
Gold
Blue
Red
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Pattern
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Spotted
Striped
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Characteristics
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Colorful Appearance
Elongated bodies
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Tank Level
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Top |
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Min Height
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3 Inches or 1 meters |
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Max Height
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4 Inches or 1 meters |
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Specific Information
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Detailed information that may be more specific than physically visible characteristics. |
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Spinal Column
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Vertebrata |
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Vision Systems
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Infrared Vision
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Animal Care
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This term covers all aspects of animal care. |
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Maintenance
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easy |
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Temperature
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64°F to 82°F |
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Substrate
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Sand
Fine Gravel
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Water Hardness
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Very Hard
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Minimum Tank Size
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20 gallons |
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pH
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7.0 to 8.5 |
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Temperament, Personality, and Feeding Habits
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Learn more about the characteristics of the Swordtail Fish including personality, temperament, and feeding behaviors. |
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Intelligence
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Medium |
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Feeding habits
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Omnivores
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Temperament
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Calm
Sociable
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Modes of Locomotion
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Swimming
Paddling
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Energy Level
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High Energy |
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Life Cycle and Reproduction
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Each type of animal has a different life cycle, here are details about the Swordtail Fish. |
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Lifespan
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5 Years |
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Reproductive System
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Viviparous
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Animal Habitat, Ecosystem, Native Area
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Things to know about the natural environment of animals where they live and survive, and the distribution of populations across different regions. |
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Habitat
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Aquatic |
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Ecosystem
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Freshwater
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Country
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Belize
Guatemala
Honduras
Mexico
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