Green Swords - (Xiphophorus hellerii)

Hi all,

Wanted to open a new thread (assuming there isn't already one) about these little guys and specifically with regard to their status as an introduced species. The main reason for this is that I am coming across a lot of them in our local streams. According to Wikipedia they are endemic to the Americas but there are established feral population in SA.. would we then say that these are indigenous and can we now call these genuine African fish ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_swordtail

 

Unbelievable! Amazing what finds its way into our rivers and streams...

And... its beautiful!

 

Though I am not a livebearer-fan there are awesome !!

 

Hi. Which streans in Durban have you seen these?

 

@DoubleDutch I too am not a fan but I caught them with the shrimp so they now share a tank, I was just thinking as im building by West African system they might be able to fit in, their fry would be good food for my Bush Fish...
@mik I'm out in Kloof, practically every stream is infested but I know some excellent spots if you are ever coming out this side let me know !

Greg

 

you dont need a lfs @GregM you have a massive one on your doorstep lol

 

@tanked72, lol I know. If only someone had introduced Water Fern and Butterfly Fish I would be in heaven ! The swords are beautiful and so strong being wild caught I'm still considering popping them in my tank... we will see

 

These fish are amazing!!! I would like to have some in my tank

 

@GregM some rummy nose for me to lol i think you could make a tank just for them

 

To me this is the wild color. Strange why the hunans always have to breed other kinds of colorvariaties though mother nature creations are soooo awesome.

 

@DoubleDutch - I agree completely, when they are healthy the reds and blues become even more prominent. they really are often overlooked, maybe just because they are so readily available.

 

@GregM So.... You shipping some of these? Could work hey...

 

@MariaS, I've never considered it.. they are quite common so far as I know but I suppose they could be shipped. Just don't know how well they would do between here and JHB.

 

I was joking but they are beautiful and although common in Durban we don't find them elsewhere so.. depending on demand, it could work..
I don't see many treads on other livebearers on forum.. guppies appear to be the most popular?

 

Lol, it actually seemed a reasonable request.... Im not too into livebearers myself but as I had these I developed an interest in their origins... still cant decide if I want to drop them in my main tank or not. Worst case scenario is that they return to the river from whence they came.

 

I don't have any livebearers at moment but have been thinking about it as it is fun and a challenge to inbreed for colours/traits ...

My Dad, back in the days... remember no fancy fish imports 30 years or so ago....was big into breeding swords, mollies and guppies and he achieved some stunning colour combinations in the swords and guppies...
He still thinks I should have a tank full guppies... my Oscars would love that!!!
We seriously thinking of a 2 foot with guppies as his Christmas present!!

 

They may carry parasites. Gotta quarantine dem properly. Good for ponds and outside tanks would think. Like river guppies but better looking

 

It's because of things like this happening, alien fish in our streams that our hobby might one day get banned altogether.

 

Yes, I agree that any wild caught fish have to be quarantined for a while but if done properly they can be added to your tank

There are a number of species of wild caught fish which we buy from the LFS

 

very true @Vis and very sad

I was very surprised at these also being found in our streams I know plecos have become a problem.