Xiphophorus hellerii, Heckel, 1848

Freyhof, JÖrg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash & Kaya, Cüneyt, 2025, Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia, De Gruyter : 770-771

Xiphophorus hellerii

Common name. Green swordtail.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Poeciliidae in West Asia by: ● prominent black, red, or green lateral stripe /

● male with a long, white or yellow sword-like prolongation with black margin at ventral part of caudal / ○ dorsal origin in front of vertical of anal origin. Size up to 78 mm SL.

Distribution. Israel and Iran: Two very small localities in city of Jahrom, one spring in city of Kashan and Soleymaniyeh spring in Namak Lake basin. Türkiye: warm springs in upper Tohma drainage (Euphrates). Introduced worldwide in tropical and subtropical countries, as well as in Italy and Morocco. Native to the Atlantic basin of Central America. From Rio Nautla ( Mexico) southeast to Rio Sarstun ( Belize).

Habitat. Wide range of habitats in stagnant to moderately flowing waters from lagoons to springs, also in moderately polluted waters.

Biology. Males territorial. Breeds throughout year as long as water temperature is high enough. Primary males develop swords immediately and mature with females. Secondary males mature later, at larger sizes; some may initially reproduce as females and later change sex to males. Feeds mainly on algae, detritus and small invertebrates.

Conservation status. Non-native; released from aquaria.

Remarks. Common ornamental species. There are several breeds with different fin shapes and colours. Green and red individuals also occur in the wild in native range. Less cold hardy than G. holbrooki and will not survive temperatures below 15°C for over a few days.

Further reading. Esmaeili et al. 2010 (introduction to Iran); Miller 2005 (distribution, identification).

Xiphophorus maculatus ; aquarium trade, male, about 30 mm SL.© J. Els.