Reference Guide > Montana Fish Field Guide > Livebearers > Variable Platyfish
Variable Platyfish - Xiphophorus variatus
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. Hybrids are common where this species occurs with the Green Swordtail. Male hybrids have a short sword.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Variable. However, a livebearer in Montana waters with an orange-red tail fin and a golden dorsal fin is almost certain to be a variable platyfish. The body is typically moss green.
Distribution
Montana Range
Introduced Not Established
Habitat
Suitable natural habitats in Montana are warm springs, ponds, and streams from warm springs. Minimum temperatures 68 degrees F. (Brown 1971).
Food Habits
Feed on almost any living organism of debris of suitable size. Free-floating organisms such as algae, water fleas, and small aquatic insects are taken in spring ponds (Brown 1971).
Reproductive Characteristics
Sexually mature in 3-4 months. Internal fertilizations may produce 5-8 broods/year under favorable conditions (Brown 1971).
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:
Variable Platyfish — Xiphophorus variatus. Montana Field Guide. Retrieved on February 2, 2009, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AFCNC06030.aspx
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