Xiphophorus continens

Xiphophorus continens Rauchenberger, Kallman & Morizot, 1990

Affiliation: northern swordtail

IUCN status: data deficient

Distribution: restricted to headwaters of Río Ojo Frío, tributary of Río Gallinas in Río Pánuco drainage, San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Known locations (existing/former): 1/1

Type locality: Nacimiento of the Río Ojo Frío at El Quince, north of Rascón, Río Gallinas-Río Pánuco drainage, SLP, Mexico
(27.4.1984, K. D. Kallman & D. C. Morizot)

Habitat description: clear, fast-flowing river with abundant submerged and marginal aquatic vegetation; deep pools between large rock formations; the riverbed is predominantly composed of stones and gravel; stable water conditions and high oxygen levels characteristic of spring-fed headwaters

Biotope reports:

• none yet

Description: Very small, slender-bodied swordtail, with males reaching up to 3,5 cm and females up to 4 cm total length. Both sexes exhibit a light brown, yellowish coloration with a distinct dark lateral stripe running from the snout to the caudal peduncle. Males are more streamlined and may show subtle bluish iridescence or faint spotting along the body; sword < 1 mm.

Variability: natural populations show only limited (if any) pattern variability

XWG status: not yet actively managed

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

Known issues: Susceptible to typical livebearer diseases in captivity, including Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Mycobacterium spp., but generally hardy when kept under stable conditions.

Known collections or populations: several different labels are used, very probably always for the same collection point:

• El Quince, Río Ojo Frío
• Río Frío
• San Luis Potosí, Mexico

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