swordtail — English Dictionary

Noun

1. One of many species of freshwater fish, in genus Xiphophorus, others of which are called platyfish.

   Examples

   There were all kinds - Swordtails, Guppies, Platys, Terras [sic], Neons, Cichlids, Labyrinth and Paradise fish, and every variety of exotic Goldfish.

   But ongoing efforts to sequence genes from other fishes, including salmon and swordtail, will also help to test the theory, Postlethwait says.

2. Any of various papilionid butterflies that have a long sword-like projection from the tornal section of each hindwing.

Noun

1. freshwater fish of Central America having a long swordlike tail; popular aquarium fish

   Synonyms

   helleritopminnowXyphophorus helleri

   Broader terms

   cyprinodont