Mexican Swordtail

[Ddraig Goch]

Has anyone got any mexican Swordtails (Xiphophorus Montezumae)?

They look very nice, how easy are they to find and look after?

 

[Polardbear]

My LFS has had them twice in the last year (and not very good ones). This last time they wanted $14.99 a pair. If I ever decide to get some I'd probably buy them off of aquabid.

I don't know personally if they are any harder or easier than other swordies but I've heard that they are jumpers (even more so than regular swordies) and you need a really good fitting lid on your tank.

I think they are gorgeous, my preference is the blue/green colored ones. They also come in an ivory color which is pretty but the blue/green is stunning.

 

[afireinside]

Montamae Swordtails are very pretty. Though, since they are not part of the Normal Swordtail species, I wouldn't recromend putting them in the tank with any other types, unless your the type of person that likes to hybrid fish. Green Swords are more common, and are equally pretty.

 

[paulthegreat]

One of my LFS has had several blue/green/yellow combos(very little blue) but when I went in to buy them the three that I had been eyeing were sold

 

[Ddraig Goch]

I have seen a picture of one in one of my fish books, it's a blue male and he's absolutely beautiful, I'd love to get some.

 

[afireinside]

One of my LFS has had several blue/green/yellow combos(very little blue) but when I went in to buy them the three that I had been eyeing were sold

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That's a Green Sword Tail.

Hey, are there any Blue Swordtails out there? Cause, I've seen Blue Platties, just wanna know about swordies.

 

[Annastasia]

How could you tell it was a Green Swordie, Oppositearmor? I'd say there is just a good of a chance it's a Mexican.

The best way to tell, though, is the Sword on the males. Mexicans usually have Swords about Body length or longer. For example, compare this guy to a normal Swordie:
Mexican Swordtail

It has the same coloring as some Green Swordtails, but the Sword proves otherwise. Females can be harder to tell on, though.

Anyway, back on topic. I've had them before, my fish store had them in a looooong ways back. I had a pair, and they were basically just like regular Swordies. I treated them the same way, and never had any trouble. Though, the female did die after a few years, and I guess the male just couldn't live without her, so he commited suicide by jumping out of the tiniest little hole. I'd never think a Sword could fit through, nor have any of my other Swords tried to fit through. So yes, they are very good jumpers, so secure the tank well! Gorgeous fish though...I adored mine, and would jump at the chance to get more, should they have them in and I have room. You need to allow lots of room for the males and their long Swords!

 

[Ddraig Goch]

I'll have to keep looking for some then, they are very attractive and a little smaller than normal Swordtails I believe.

 

[Annastasia]

Well, the bodies are a little smaller, but the long Sword makes up for that! So over-all, I'd say they are about the same size, full grown large males might be bigger then regular Swords.

And yes, keep looking for them, and if you see some, get them!

Another option though, if you are looking for a smaller Swordie, is the Pygmy Swordtail...now those things are cute, though I've never seen one in real life, unfortunantly.

 

[GuppyDude]

would these mexican swordies purhaps happen to be green swordies or just a larger relative?

 

[Annastasia]

would these mexican swordies purhaps happen to be green swordies or just a larger relative?

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They can look a lot like Green Swordtails, but they are a different species - Xiphophorus montezumae.

Did you look at the picture I linked to early? You'll see they have much longer Swords. But they can look alike, coloring wise.

 

[GuppyDude]

yes i was the pic, just didn't know if they bred the sword to be shorter on teh greens to keep them a lil more compact very nice fish thogh

 

[paulthegreat]

Judging but the shown example by Annastastia these are just green Swords at my LFS. Wow what a sword

 

[Annastasia]

Judging but the shown example by Annastastia these are just green Swords at my LFS. Wow what a sword

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Do they look full grown? As it can take some males a while to get that long Sword. And also, not all Swords are that long, some are just the length of the body. But it IS more probable that they are Green Swords. Those are still gorgeous fish though.

 

[qwikimpss]

Most swordtails and platies actually come from mexico/central america. I actually read a very interesting article on the Montezumae swords and there are a few impersonators on the market! The big trait that the montezumae sword has is their "swords" are 2-3 times longer than a normal swordtail! I'd LOVE some!!!