Reference Guide > Montana Fish Field Guide > Livebearers > Green Swordtail
Green Swordtail - Xiphophorus helleri
Exotic Species (not native to montana)
Global Rank: G5
State Rank: SNA
Agency Status
USFWS: none
USFS: none
BLM: none
CFWCS Tier: 4
General Description
This tropical aquarium fish is an illegally released pet fish. The native range is southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Most are solid reddish orange; some are reddish orange with black fins or reddish orange with black mottling. Swordlike tail fin usually has black edges. The classical green variety with red and yellow stripes on sides is rare in Montana waters.
Distribution
Montana Range
Introduced Not Established
Habitat
Can exist in Montana only in warm springs, ponds, and resultent streams in water temperatures of 68-80 degrees F.
Food Habits
An avid feeder, utilizing any organisms or organic debris which are suspended in the water. Includes both zoo- and phytoplankton as well as small instars of aquatic insects.
Reproductive Characteristics
Sexually mature in 3-4 months. Internal fertilization. Several broods/year under favorable conditions.
Citations & Sources
Holton, G. D. 2003. A field guide to Montana fishes. Mont. Dept. Fish, Wildl. Parks, 95 pp.
Citation for data on this website:
Green Swordtail — Xiphophorus helleri. Montana Field Guide. Retrieved on February 2, 2009, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AFCNC06010.aspx
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