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Coatzacoalcos swordtail (Xiphophorus clemenciae) — Poeciliidae

Coatzacoalcos swordtail

Xiphophorus clemenciae
Family: Poeciliidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Coatzacoalcos swordtail (Xiphophorus clemenciae) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southern Mexico; small streams and rock pools in limestone areas.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The yellow swordtail is a livebearer (Poeciliidae) from southern Mexico. The species is small and yellowish; adult males bear an elongated, yellow-and-blue-edged lower caudal ray projecting as a 'sword', characteristic of the swordtails. It is common in small brooks and rock pools with light current in limestone areas. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, small zooplankton and insect larvae. The female bears live young. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Coatzacoalcos swordtail?

The Coatzacoalcos swordtail has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. Male with a yellow-and-blue-edged sword on the tail; ovoviviparous stream fish of limestone areas.

Where does the Coatzacoalcos swordtail live?

The Coatzacoalcos swordtail lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern Mexico; small streams and rock pools in limestone areas.

How big does the Coatzacoalcos swordtail get?

The Coatzacoalcos swordtail grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Coatzacoalcos swordtail dangerous to humans?

No, the Coatzacoalcos swordtail is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Coatzacoalcos swordtail edible?

The Coatzacoalcos swordtail is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Coatzacoalcos swordtail verified
Scientific name
Xiphophorus clemenciae
Family
Poeciliidae
Other names
Espada de Clemencia; Yellow swordtail verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Southern Mexico; small streams and rock pools in limestone areas. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, small zooplankton and insect larvae sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Male with a yellow-and-blue-edged sword on the tail; ovoviviparous stream fish of limestone areas. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Xiphophorus

More from the family Poeciliidae

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