Xiphophorus cortezi, the delicate swordtail

Abstract:

" This article presents a comprehensive overview of the delicate swordtail Xiphophorus cortezi, a livebearing fish endemic to the Pánuco River drainage of northeastern Mexico. It explores the species’ natural history, habitat preferences, social organization, and reproductive biology, emphasizing its complex mating system and polymorphic male forms. The article also highlights the importance of X. cortezi as a model organism in studies of sexual selection, genetic sex determination, and evolutionary biology. In addition, it reviews the species’ history in the aquarium hobby, basic husbandry considerations, and current conservation concerns, underscoring the need for continued research and habitat protection. "