Catemaco livebearer, Xiphophorus melleri

The Catemaco Livebearer, Xiphophorus milleri, is a freshwater fish species endemic to Lake Catemaco and its tributaries in Veracruz, Mexico. It typically inhabits clear or white water streams with sparse green algae growth, preferring substrates of sand and silt with occasional rocks. This species thrives in tropical conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C (75–82°F) and a pH range of 7.3–7.5.

Xiphophorus milleri is a small to medium-sized fish, with males reaching a maximum length of about 3.0 cm (1.2 inches) and females growing up to 4.5 cm (1.8 inches). It is a livebearer, meaning the female gives birth to live young. The gestation period lasts approximately 24 to 28 days, after which the female produces 15 to 50 fry.

In terms of behavior, this species is peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful species with similar environmental demands. In aquarium setups, it prefers a densely planted environment with open swimming areas. It is recommended to keep more females than males to reduce aggression and stress among individuals.

This species plays an important role in the classification of Xiphophorus, as it exhibits traits of both swordtails and platies, supporting the consolidation of these groups into a single genus. It resembles swordtails in body shape, pigmentation, and ecology but shares platies' secondary sexual characteristics, pigmentary polymorphism, and the absence of a sword.

The Mexican government's stance on the endangerment of Xiphophorus milleri is not explicitly detailed. However, the species is noted to be threatened by water pollution from agricultural and farming runoff, urban sewage, and industrial discharges, among other issues. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists Xiphophorus milleri as data deficient (DD) in its Red List of Threatened Species as of 2018. This classification suggests that there is not enough information to assess the species' conservation status accurately, which may indicate a need for further research and monitoring.

Juveniles now, these fish will mature and grow out in color and size after you have received them. Our pictures try to represent both our Sire and females of different ages to show how they may mature over time.

Your fish were born and raised with extreme care by Good Life Aquatics right here in the USA. They live in pure PNW well water with a PH of 7.6, TDS 250. Their diet consists of specialty high quality fish food from Ark BioRite and baby brine shrimp.

All young are birthed into their own species only aquarium. All of our tanks have sand bottoms, matten filters, and are home to live plants. This includes our thriving Guppy Grass and Java Moss, where the dames birth healthy fry.

Good Life Aquatics prides itself on the health and welfare of your fish. If you have any questions or concerns, please message us!