Xiphophorus malinche

Xiphophorus malinche Rauchenberger, Kallman & Morizot, 1990

Affiliation: northern swordtail

IUCN status: data deficient

Distribution: several rivers and arroyos in three different drainages in Río Pánuco basin: Río Calabozo (Arroyo Soyatla), Río Atlapexco (Río Calnalí and Río Conzintla) and Río Moctezuma (Río Claro); all in Hidalgo, Mexico

Known locations (existing/former): several

Type locality: Río Claro at Tlatzintla, Río Pánuco drainage, Hidalgo, Mexico
(18.2.1988, K. D. Kallman, D. C. Morizot, M. Rauchenberger & A. Basolo)

Habitat description: clear, fast-flowing rivers, with sandy bottom and rocks or boulders; often in shallow water with sunshine; temperature as low as 15 °C, high levels of dissolved oxygen; only riparian vegetation

Biotope reports:

• none yet

Description: Middle size species. Males exhibit a golden-brown body coloration that can show blue or purple in certain areas. Their scales have darker edges, creating a net-like appearance. The flanks show irregular bar patterns, which can vary between individuals and even between the right and left sides of the same specimen. These bars can be slanted or broken and vary in thickness. The dorsal fin is large and yellow with 3 or 4 rows of mid-dorsal spots. The caudal fin is pale to bright yellow, depending on the population. The sword is yellow with black edging and is shorter and broader at its base compared to X. cortezi. Younger males may have an upturned sword that straightens as they mature. Females share a similar coloration to males, but they lack the blue and purple hues. They have the same bar pattern on the flanks, but it is less distinct. Their fins are generally clear, with a very pale yellow tint.

Variability: Males exhibit variability in the intensity of the blue and purple coloration, as well as the pattern of black spots and bars. Females show less variability in coloration, maintaining a more consistent yellowish-brown hue. Some individuals have a dark blotch at the caudal peduncle.

XWG status: not yet actively managed

Represented in aquaria: Rarely kept; occasionally maintained by specialized breeders and research institutions.

Known issues: Needs cool temperatures and pristine water. Can be rather shy.

Known collections or populations:

• Río Conzintla, Hidalgo, Mexico (2018)
• Río Claro, Hidalgo, Mexico
• Río Calnalí, Hidalgo, Mexico

Remarks: This species is known to hybridize with X. birchmanni in parts of its natural habitat. X. malinche lives upstream, X. birchmanni downstream. Hybrid zones where both species overlap are subject to research.

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