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Origin: Occurs widely in central America.

Etymology: unk

Synonyms: Molliniesia helleri, Xiphophorus jalapae,Xiphophorus rachovii,Xiphophorus strigatus,Xiphophorus brevis,Xiphophorus helleri helleri,Xiphophorus helleri brevis,Xiphophorus helleri strigatus

First European import: Germany, 1909, by W. Schroot.

Description: See pictures.

Care: For the fish to fully develop larger tanks are required, minimum 80 cm, with planted regions on the side, and some free swimming space. Water shouldn't be too soft, nor acidic, but the fish can live in neutral water of 12 degrees dGH. Peacefull quiet fish that do well in a community tank. It's best to have more females to a male

Temperature: 18-28 degrees

 

Feeding: omnivorous.

Size: Females up to 12 cm, males up to 10.

pH: 6.0-7.5

Breeding: Up to 80 fry per female. Fry should be protected from the parents since they will eat their own fry as well as other tiny fish.

Sexual dimorphism: Males have a sword, besides the gonopodium. Sometimes females have male traits!

Prices: Between 1 en 3€.

Additional: Numerous breeding forms exist.

Picture references: Allpictures E. Naus.

References:Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982): Aquarien Atlas I. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.

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