Xiphophorus clemenciae

Xiphophorus clemenciae   Álvarez, 1959

Affiliation: southern swordtail

IUCN status: data deficient

Distribution: Originally believed to be restricted to the headwaters of the Río Sarabia in Oaxaca, Xiphophorus clemenciae is now known to have a broader distribution across southeastern Mexico. The species occurs within multiple tributaries of the upper Río Coatzacoalcos system, including the Río Uxpanapa drainage in Veracruz, Arroyo El Boquerón south of La Victoria in Oaxaca, and the Río Chalchijapan drainage in Veracruz. These findings indicate a more extensive, though still regionally limited, range across parts of Oaxaca and Veracruz. It has also been found in the Grijalva drainage in Chiapas.

Known locations (existing/former): several

Habitat description: Inhabits clear, slow to moderately flowing streams and spring systems with dense marginal vegetation and substrates composed of gravel, sand, and organic detritus. Prefers shaded environments with stable thermal conditions. Often found near aquatic plants or submerged root systems that provide shelter and breeding grounds.

Biotope reports:

• none yet

Description: Medium-sized swordtail with males reaching around 6–7 cm in total length. The body is iridescent silver to pale green, often with a bluish sheen, and there are two to three distinct longitudinal red-orange stripes running along the flanks from the snout to the base of the caudal fin. Males are distinguished by usually yellow caudal sword bordered with black. The dorsal fin is moderately tall and pointed in males, sometimes with subtle spotting. Females are larger (up to 9 cm), deeper-bodied.

Variability: Colour intensity and stripe contrast can vary among wild populations, likely influenced by environmental conditions such as light penetration and water quality in their spring-fed habitats. In some populations, the caudal extension of males is fading from yellow to blue towards the tip.

XWG status: not yet actively managed

Represented in aquaria: Rare in the hobby; occasionally kept by experienced livebearer specialists. Requires stable water quality and a well-vegetated environment to thrive in captivity.

Known issues: Sensitive to poor water conditions in captivity and susceptible to stress-related diseases if not maintained properly.

Known collections or populations:

• Arroyo Pita, Road to Santa María Chimalapa, Oaxaca, Mexico
• Río Coatzacoalcos
• Río Sarabia (sometimes wrongly indicated as “Guatemala”, but the correct Río Sarabia is in Mexico)
• “Puente Chino Luis, Guatemala” (incorrect? more data needed)

(if you have more information, please contact us at info@xipho.org – thanks!)