Xiphophorus hellerii
Heckel 1848
Family Poeciliidae
The green swordtail is a member of the livebearer family. It has a compressed, moderately elongate body, and a triangular head when viewed in profile. This species has an upturned mouth, and the teeth and both jaws are conical and in two series. The lower lobe of caudal fin of the male has a well-developed “swordtail.” Green swordtails can be found in creeks and roadside ditches with slow to sluggish current and aquatic vegetation.
Status & distribution
- Status — Native freshwater
- Florida Distribution — Western and North Central and Peninsula drainages
- River Drainages — Choctawhatchee River, Tampa Bay the Everglades and the Indian River