Xiphophorus montezumae
The Xiphophorus montezumae is naturally found in the Montezuma River basin (Moctezuma), Central America. The fish can be found in numerous tributaries of the river, along densely vegetated banks. These fish were first described in 1899, and have since become very popular among aquarists. Their tail plumage is particularly striking and for its uniqueness they are often called the "Swordfish King".
Xiphophorus montezumae has a silvery body colour, with an admixture of greenish or yellowish colours. The body has several black spots, which are concentrated mainly near the dorsal fin. The colouration of the females is much more modest than that of the males. They are entirely gray, and a dark stripe runs along their body from the head to the root of the tail plumage. Females have a rounded tail, while males have a long ray that is sometimes twice the length of the fish. The size of the fish reaches up to 5 cm.
The males are constantly competing with each other. They spend most of their time chasing each other. When initially housed in an aquarium, the fish can be very timid, but once acclimatised they become calmer. In nature, the Montezuma swordfish leads a secretive lifestyle. This fish is very nimble and not easy to catch.
Keep the fish can be in a species or in a common aquarium, a volume of 80 liters, with other peace-loving fish of comparable size. Avoid sharing with fish that are always trying to bite the fins of fish, such as Sumatran barbs. There should be 2-3 females per 1 male.
Coarse-grained river sand or gravel may be used as substrate in the aquarium. Snags can be placed on the bottom. The perimeter of the aquarium should be planted with tall plants, and on the surface of the water to place a few bushes of floating plants.
Water parameters: temperature 20-26°C, hardness dH 4-18°, pH 7.0-8.0. To enhance the immunity of fish in oda desirable to add table salt in a concentration of 5-10 grams per 1 liter of water. In the aquarium, it is desirable to create a small current of water. good filtration, aeration and weekly replacement of ¼ of the aquarium water with fresh.
The fish are easy to feed, they eat almost anything they are given. The fish are given a variety of dry flakes and pellets, as well as live and frozen food (Artemia nauplii, Daphnia, moths) feed the fish 2 times a day.
Reproduction
The Xiphophorus montezumae reaches sexual maturity at the age of 4-5 months.
Under acceptable conditions, fish with an interval of 1-1.5 months spawn continuously. Females hatch fully developed fry capable of leading an independent life from the first days. A female at a time, depending on her physical condition, hatch 10-30 fry. Immediately after birth, it is advisable to discard the fry, as there is a high probability that their parents cannot resist the temptation to eat them.
The fry are fed with dry food and Artemia 3-4 times a day.
Life expectancy for the Xiphophorus montezumae under aquarium conditions is 3-4 years.
