Green swordtail

Introduction: The green swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a popular and colourful freshwater fish species often kept in aquariums.

Distribution: Feral populations can be found in Lake Otjikoto, but also occurs as far as Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala.

Diet: Swordtails are omnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter.

Colouring: These fish are known for their vibrant colouration, with shades of red, orange, yellow, and black. They also have a distinct elongated lower tail fin, or "sword," which gives them their name.

Reproduction: Green swordtails are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Females produce 20 to 200 young after a gestation period of 24 to 30 days. This species has a tendency to undergo sex reversal (from female to male) under certain environmental conditions.

Size: Adult swordtails can reach lengths between 3-16 cm, with males typically being slightly smaller than females.