Xiphophorus

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This article is about the fish genus. For the free software foundation, see Xiph.org Foundation.

{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Xiphophorus | image = Xiphophorus helleri 02.jpg | image_width = 250px | image_caption = Green swordtail (X. hellerii) | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Actinopterygii | ordo = Cyprinodontiformes | familia = Poeciliidae | genus = Xiphophorus | genus_authority = Heckel, 1848 | subdivision_ranks = Species | subdivision =

(see text)

}}

Xiphophorus Heckel, 1848, is a genus of freshwater fish in family Poeciliidae of order Cyprinodontiformes. The type species is X. hellerii, the green swordtail. Live-bearers, the Xiphophorus species are often collectively called swordtails, but in the aquarium trade that name typically refers specifically to X. hellerii.

The various Xiphophorus species are native to areas of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and especially Mexico. All small fishes, they reach maximum lengths of 2.5–14 cm (1.0–5.5 in).

IUCN lists two Xiphophorus species, X. meyeri and X. gordoni (the northern platyfish) as Endangered, while X. couchianus (the Monterrey platyfish) is Critically Endangered.

Image:Hybrid (Xiphophorus helleri x Xiphophorus maculatus).png Xiphophorus species are regularly used in genetic studies and scientists have developed many interspecific hybrids. In addition, several species are commonly kept by aquarium hobbyists.

The name Xiphophorus derives from the Greek words ξίφος (sword) and -φόρος (-bearer).

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