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.

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

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Cummings is now comparing male behaviour of various swordtail species.

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

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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.

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