Variable platyfish (Xiphophorus variatus) fish species and information / pictures of Variable platyfish - Xiphophorus variatus

Variable platyfish (Xiphophorus variatus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Xiphophorus variatus

Common Name
Variable platyfish

Biology
Occurs in warm springs, weedy canals and ditches (Ref. 5723). Feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter (Ref. 7020). Used for genetic research (Ref. 4537). Aquarium keeping: minimum aquarium size 60 cm (Ref. 51539).

Classification

Classified By
Meek, 1904
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines (Cyprinodontiformes)
Family
Poeciliids (Poeciliidae)

Distribution

Region
North America
Distribution
North America: endemic to Mexico from southern Tamaulipas to northern Veracruz. At least one country reports adverse ecological impact after introduction.
Range
25°N - 20°N

Environment

Climate
Subtropical
Water Temperature From
15 °C
Water Temperature To
25 °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
benthopelagic
Environment
Freshwater; ; pH range: 7.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 19 benthopelagic; non-migratory
Trophic Level
2.84 s.e. 0.27 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
False
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
True
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
7.0 cm
Common Length
3.9 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Aquarium: commercial
Vulnerability
Low vulnerability (22 of 100)
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm
Threat To Humans
  Potential pest (Ref. 13686)
IUCN Red List Status
  Not Evaluated