Cortez Swordtail (Xiphophorus cortezi)

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Cortez Swordtail

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Cortez Swordtail

Xiphophorus cortezi

76 Litres (20 US G.)

5.1-7.6cm (2-3 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

7.2 - 8.0

24 -28 °C (75.2-82.4°F)

5-12 °d

1:3 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

2-3 years

Family

Poeciliidae

This animal is available captive bred



Additional names

Cortez Swordtail, Delicate Swordtail, Cortes Swordtail

Additional scientific names

Xiphophorus montezumae cortezi


Origin

Central American rivers, including the Rio Coy, and Rio Axlta.

Sexing

Males are more colourful with the elongated "sword" extension on their tail and a gonopodium.

Tank compatibility

A generally peaceful livebearer. Keep in the livebearer ratio of at least 1 male per 2-3 females. Will also work in all-male groups of at least 5. Be careful as this fish will hybridise with other species of Swordtail and also Platys.

Diet

Not fussy and should accept most foods including pellet and flake as well as live/frozen foods such as bloodworm.

Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

Does best in a large tank with dense planting.

Behaviour

A generally peaceful livebearer.

Identification

A fairly chunky livebearer. The males are more vibrantly coloured with an olive green base colour, some vertical banding on the flanks. The caudal fin is yellow, the dorsal fin also has some yellow colouration and speckled with black spots. The females are relatively colourless with a dark line down the lateral line.

Pictures

External links