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💧 Freshwater Data Deficient 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Delicate swordtail

Xiphophorus cortezi Rosen, 1960
Max Length
5 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.1
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
27.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Xiphophorus cortezi, the delicate swordtail, is a species of poeciliid fish from Mexico.

Scientific Name
Xiphophorus cortezi
Authority
Rosen, 1960
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
DD
Max Length
5 cm
Trophic Level
3.1
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
27.00/100
Water Temp
24–28 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Delicate swordtail is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Delicate swordtail is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Delicate swordtail is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

After 28 days gestation, female produces 20 to 40 young.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.5 - 8.2; dH range: 5 - 20. Tropical; 24°C - 28°C Central America: Rio Panuco basin in Hidalgo and San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
3.1±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01047 × L3.14 (TL)
Max TL
5cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
24–28°C
pH Range
7.5–8.2
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Data Deficient
Assessment Date
2018

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
27.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.1
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Rosen, 1960

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Delicate swordtail is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Delicate swordtail is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Delicate swordtail has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Xiphophorus montezumae cortezi Rosen 1960 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 69 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
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View all observations for Delicate swordtail ↗
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