ID: What are these fishes? - Xiphophorus spp.

[thewhityfang]

i was seeing them bite the scales of other fishes...

first fish


second fish



third fish



thanks..

[FishSoup]

They're all livebearers, though i dare not confirm the exact species.

Hazarded guesses: first fish is a variety of platy, or possibly a hybrid; second fish is a swordtail, either the regular kind or a mountain swordtail; third fish.. only know that it should be a livebearer maybe one of the limias, as it looks like it might have a humped back.

[stormhawk]

I'd agree with FishSoup's IDs.

1st fish - Xiphophorus sp. (could be maculatus platy or a hybrid as suggested)
2nd fish - Xiphophorus helleri (this is what I consider the wild green form of the swordtail)
3rd fish - Xiphophorus sp. (hybrid swordtail/platy)

I do not think the 3rd fish is a Limia species. But I do agree that all 3 are livebearers. The 2nd fish is beautiful by the way. I love swordtails.

[bryan]

Yes that is a lovely swordtail, used to be a bread and butter fish. Sad that we hardly see them at the LFS now.

[thewhityfang]

Usually peaceful, although sometimes a bully. May eat fry, including their own

they eat other fish?

[stormhawk]

They usually leave other fish alone. BUT... they might try and nip smaller fishes if given a chance, and if they are not well-fed.

In any event, the males and females will develop a pecking order, with the weakest fish usually being the last to eat. Males will regularly display against each other.

[thewhityfang]

what the meaning about nip?

i see them was bite the scale of bigger fish
i just curious...

they bite for eat
or just remove or eating the parasite?

[stormhawk]

Sometimes they are not biting, just harassing. I sometimes see my swordtails doing this to my corys, but they don't do any harm.

[thewhityfang]

thanks strom
now i can get them into the community again

[stormhawk]

Well observe them for any squabbling. If you feel they pose a danger, fish them out and isolate them.