Xiphophorus hellerii Heckel, 1848 [I]—Green swardtail; Sayfan

Taxonomy. Original description: Xiphophorus hellerii Heckel, 1848: 291, pl. 8, figs. 1-3 [Orizaba, Mexico (Atlantic); syntypes: NMW 60543 (8)].— Israel synonyms: None.—Revisions: None.—Illustration: Heckel (1848: p. 8, figs. 1-3).

Status in Israel. This species was introduced in the 1940’s (Dor 1987). First record from Israel by Steinitz (1953); confirmed by Goren & Ortal (1999).—Israel materials: HUJ.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Israel: Nahal Yarkon and Nahal Amal.—Distribution in River Basin: 2- Dead Sea Basin.—General distribution: Atlantic slope of Central America: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico; introduced widely elsewhere.—Distribution in Ecoregion: 438- Jordan River.—Habitat: This species inhabits diverse habitats, including ponds, springs, shaded and sometimes very rocky arroyos, ditches, open lagoons, and rivers with a variety of substrates; the water is clear to murky, muddy, or opaque, sometimes badly polluted. Freshwater, brackish.

Economic importance. Valuable for the aquarium trade.

Reasons of introduction. Ornamental fish industry.

Conservation. Not relevant (introduced species).