Species FishGreen Swordtail

Green Swordtail

Xiphophorus hellerii

CommonFish
Illustration of Green Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)

The Green Swordtail is a small, colorful fish known for the distinctive sword-like extension of its tail. It is popular in the aquarium trade due to its vibrant colors and ease of care.

Habitat
Found in freshwater rivers and streams.
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding on algae, small insects, and plant matter.
How common
Common

Recent Green Swordtail sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Green Swordtail? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Green Swordtail is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love fish? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More fish

Greenside Darter
Greenside Darter
Etheostoma blennioides
Grey Reef Shark
Grey Reef Shark
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos
Guadalupe Bass
Guadalupe Bass
Micropterus treculii
Guineafowl Puffer
Guineafowl Puffer
Arothron meleagris
Gulf Killifish
Gulf Killifish
Fundulus grandis
Gulf Longear Sunfish
Gulf Longear Sunfish
Lepomis solis
Gulf Toadfish
Gulf Toadfish
Opsanus beta
Gunther's Wrasse
Gunther's Wrasse
Pseudolabrus guentheri