Xiphophorus continens (Zimmerer and Kallman 1988)

Etymology:

Xiphophorus: Greek, xiphos = sword + Greek, pherein = to carry

Continens: Greek, conto = short + Latin, ensis, = sword

(Reference to the very small sword developed in males of this species.)

First description:

Zimmerer and Kallman 1988

American Museum Novitates Number 2975, June 27, 1990.

Monophyly and Geography of the Rio Panuco Basin Swordtails (Genus Xiphophorus) with

Descriptions of Four New Species

Mary Rauchenberger, Klaus D. Kallman and Donald C. Morizot

Common names

El Quince Swordtail

Synonyms

Xiphophorus sp. Nov. Zimmer & Kallman 1988.

Group:

Xiphophorus continens is one of nine northern swordtails and belongs to the Montezumae clade, consisting of X. montezumae, X. nezahualcoyotl, X. continens

Type Locality:

The Nacimiento of the Rio Ojo Frio at El Quince, north of Rascon, Rio Gallinas- Rio Panuco drainage, San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Collected on April 27, 1984, by K. D. Kallman and D. C. Morizo

Distribution:

Headwaters of the Rio Ojo Frio, north of Damian Carmona, Rio Panuco drainage, San Luis Potosi. Mexico

Populations:

Rio Ojo Frio, El Quince, San Luis Potosi. Mexico.

Habitat:

Fast flowing river, with high aquatic vegetation with a stony river bed.

Size:

Males 2.5cm, Females 3.5cm

Distinguishing characteristics:

It is a small, slender species, with a slender caudal peduncle. The sword is barely noticeable with a maximum length of 1 millimetre.

Colour/Pattern Variability:

A small slender species, the body colour is pale golden brown with a darker brown midlateral stripe. There are one or two less prominent zigzag stripes above the midlateral stripe. The underneath section is white from the mouth to the anal fin.

The dorsal and caudal fins are clear to pale yellow, all other fins are clear.

 Males do not develop a sword greater than 1 mm.

Behaviour:

Not a shy fish when settled, will happily swim around the front of the aquarium looking for food. 

Husbandry:

A well planted aquarium with a temperature of 21 – 22 degrees C

Breeding Notes:

After a gestation period of 24-28 days, female produces 10 to 20 young,

Remarks

The overall shape and appearance of this species is most similar to X. pygmaeus and was assumed to be closely related. Closer scrutiny has found that X. continens shares characteristics found in X. montezumae and X. nezahualcoyotl.

References:

Rauchenberger, Kallman & Morizot: American Museum Novitates Number 2975, June 27, 1990.

Monophyly and Geography of the Rio Panuco Basin Swordtails (Genus Xiphophorus) with

Descriptions of Four New Species                

Derek and Pat Lambert: Platies and swordtails