Xiphophorus milleri
| Catemaco platyfish | |
|---|---|
_(2).jpg)
| |
| A female | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family: | Poeciliidae |
| Genus: | Xiphophorus |
| Species: | X. milleri
|
| Binomial name | |
| Xiphophorus milleri D. E. Rosen, 1960
| |
Xiphophorus milleri, the Catemaco platyfish, is a
platies, its discovery confirmed that these two groups should be consolidated into a single genus, Xiphophorus
.
Taxonomy
The species was named after American ichthyologist
swordtails should be classified in the same genus, for it combines traits that were thought to separate platies from swordtails into different genera.[2] Namely, X. milleri resembles the swordtails in body shape, pigmentation, and ecology, but shares the platies' secondary sexual characteristics, pigmentary polymorphism, and the absence of a sword.[2]
Description
Xiphophorus milleri is a small to medium Xiphophorus species. Its body is slender. Nearly a half of specimens have
X. maculatus), one with a single large spot (similar to that of some X. variatus specimens), and a bar-like pattern (similar to those of X. montezumae and X. pygmaeus). Adult males have deep yellow-orange bellies.[3]
Females grow to 4.5 cm (1.8 in)
total length, while males attain 2.5 cm (0.98 in). The males are elongated, while the females appear humpbacked and compact.[4]
Distribution and habitat
Xiphophorus milleri was discovered in a steep-banked stream flowing into
X. helleri is found in the same habitat.[6] It appears to be restricted to Lake Catemaco and its tributaries.[2]
Reproduction
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Xiphophorus milleri is a
livebearer; the female gives birth every 24 to 28 days. The size of each brood normally ranges from 15 to 50 fry. Filial cannibalism is rare.[7]
References
- . Retrieved 11 May 2023.
- ^ a b c Rosen 1960, p. 92.
- ^ Rosen 1960, p. 91.
- ^ Axelrod & Wischnath 1991, p. 64.
- ^ Rosen 1960, p. 159.
- ^ Rosen 1960, p. 160.
- ^ Axelrod & Wischnath 1991, p. 66.
Bibliography
- ISBN 0866220909.
- Rosen, Donn Eric (1960). "Middle-American poeciliid fishes of the genus Xiphophorus". Bulletin of the Florida State Museum, Biological Sciences. 5 (4). University of Florida: 90–92.