Montezuma swordtail
📖 Overview
Montezuma swordtail (Xiphophorus montezumae), first described by Jordan & Snyder, 1899 is a small fish in the family Poeciliidae (order Cyprinodontiformes). Adults typically reach 5.50 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Data Deficient.The species is important as a food fish and kept in the aquarium hobby. As a member of the Poeciliidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Montezuma swordtail is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Montezuma swordtail is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Every 4-5 weeks female gives birth to 15-30 young .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.0 - 8.0; dH range: 10 - 20; non-migratory. Tropical; 20°C - 26°C Central America: northeastern Mexico (Tamaulipas, northern Veracruz, San Luis Potosí).
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Montezuma swordtail is an edible species."
- 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
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Montezuma swordtail is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Montezuma swordtail has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Mexican swordfish · Mexican swordtail · Moctezuma Swordtail · Montezuma helleri · Montezuma Swordtail |
| 🌍CES | mečovka Montezumova |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Montezuma-sværddrager |
| 🇩🇪German | Montezuma-Schwertträger |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Мексиканский меченосец |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | espada de Moctezuma |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Montezuma swordtail.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 45 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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