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