Where Does Swordtail Live?

Swordtail lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Swordtail

Water type

freshwater

Depth

Typically found in shallow to moderate depths, often near the surface or in areas with dense vegetation.

Environment

Native to rivers, streams, canals, and ditches with moderate to strong currents, as well as warm springs and ponds. They prefer clear, well-oxygenated water with abundant aquatic vegetation for shelter and foraging. Substrates can vary from sand to gravel and detritus.

Geographic range

Native to Central America, specifically from Veracruz, Mexico, south through Guatemala and Belize, to northwestern Honduras. Introduced populations exist worldwide due to their popularity in the aquarium trade, leading to established feral populations in various tropical and subtropical regions.

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