swordtail

[ sawrd-teyl, sohrd- ]

noun

1. any of several small, brightly colored, viviparous, freshwater fishes of the genus Xiphophorus, native to Central America, having the lower part of the caudal fin elongated into a swordlike structure: often kept in aquariums.

swordtail

/ ˈsɔːdˌteɪl /

noun

1. any of several small freshwater cyprinodont fishes of the genus Xiphophorus, esp X. helleri, of Central America, having a long swordlike tail

Word History and Origins

Origin of swordtail¹

First recorded in 1925–30; sword + tail ¹

Example Sentences

In an ingenious experiment involving one-way mirrors, Earley discovered that swordtail spies avoid interacting with the winner of a contest they have watched.

From Scientific American

The fish, a male swordtail, seemed almost manic in his effort to be noticed.

From New York Times

Cummings is now comparing male behaviour of various swordtail species.

From Nature

They breed a swordtail and a platyfish, both common pets, to create offspring that are more sensitive to UV light.

From Science Magazine

Fish Adjusts Its Shape to Lure Hungry Females The male of a small freshwater fish, the swordtail characin, tempts females with an ornamental lure that looks like food.

From New York Times