Select Aquatics of Erie, CO.
      Xiphophorus montezumae  Tamasopo

 

   Water Conditions- Temp. 72-78 degrees, Aeration,
   Water Movement, Plants, Larger Tank, Clean Conditions
  
   Behavior- Shy, can be skittish. Males compete for
   Dominance. Not aggressive.

   Breeding- 10-40 young every 30 days, Best Bred 1 
   Male to Group of Females. Doesn't eat fry.

   Size- Up to 6 inches. 
  
   Price- Not Currently Priced

 
 
 
 

    This is the king of swordtails, yet it is rarely kept in any
    real numbers, occasionally showing up at auctions. When it
    does, it will often bring up to $100 a pair. Of the 4
    populations of montezumae kept in the hobby, the Tomosopo
    is the most colorful while also being one of the largest,
    with possibly the longest sword. The montezumae behavior
    is the most "wild" of any of the swordtails, making it a
    truly exotic fish to keep. They can be shy, often hiding
    in the plants, and react to sudden or unexpected movement.
    However, as they become comfortable with their environment,
    and their numbers increase, they will spend their time out
    in front showing off at one another.

    They should be kept in an aquarium of 30 gallons or larger
    with adequate filtration. Moderate aeration with some water
    movement and consistent water changes will keep this
    species comfortable. 10-30 young are born approx. monthly.
    They generally do not eat their fry, which should be
    caught and raised separately. Occasional live foods are
    not required for their survival, but its inclusion in
    their diet strongly supports consistent breeding and
    growth.

    These bottom pictures show the incredibly long sword,
    and it seems to grow throughout their life, often
    reaching close to twice their body length in older
    fish. Though not as heavy bodied or large as the
    X. mayae or X. helleri Rio Otapa, these will still
    reach 5.5 - 6 inches. See "How big can they get?"
    Thank you Sumer Tiwari for the two bottom photos.

 

   Males constantly compete with one another, and breeding is best with a single dominant male and a group of females in a 15
   to 20 gallon tank with a generous amount of plants, and places to hide. When fed well and bothered infrequently, they can be
   reasonably prolific. Their rate of maturity is similar to other swords- sexual development around 4 mos., breeding at 6-8 months. 
   For more information, of this fish, click Here.

   Those who have seen this fish in the wild insist that it can reach nearly a foot long. Using up to 50 gallon tanks with just a few
   individuals and lots of live food, the largest raised here were slightly less than 6 inches long (including sword). Other aquarists  
   have claimed to raise them larger using larger tanks. Easily the most impressive livebearer you can keep in a home aquarium.

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     Instead of using a Paypal link,
    most customers have chosen to
    email or text me to arrange
    shipping, then put the total
    into the selectaquatics@gmail.com
    Paypal account themselves
    or pay by check. Either way
    is simple and secure.
 

 

 

 

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