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Glite Dictionary
swordtail

swordtail

8.1
A small freshwater fish with a long sword-shaped lower tail fin often kept in aquariums
  • noun
  • /ˈsɔrdˌteɪl/
  • US
: pez espada
  • The male swordtail can be recognized by its distinctive tail extension.

Examples

  • The swordtail is a popular choice for aquariums.

  • We keep a few swordtails along with guppies in our fish tank.

  • Many aquarium enthusiasts love the vibrant colors of the swordtail.

  • I saw a beautiful swordtail at the pet store.

  • Aquarium lovers often enjoy watching the playful movements of their swordtail fish.

  • The vibrant colors and unique tail shape make the swordtail a favored fish in home aquariums.

  • To create a lively aquarium, I decided to add a few swordtails to my collection.

Synonyms

Xyphophorus helleri
vsswordtail
  • Specialized
9.9

A small freshwater fish with a long sword-shaped tail often kept in aquariums

is the everyday aquarium name used by fishkeepers rather than the scientific label
helleri
vsswordtail
  • Specialized
9.9

A small freshwater fish from Central America that people keep in aquariums and has a long swordlike tail

is the everyday aquarium name used by hobbyists rather than the one-word scientific label

Surface Forms

swordtail singular
swordtails plural

Morphology

swordtail = sword + tail (transparent) = sword + tail

The components 'sword' and 'tail' directly describe the fish's elongated, swordlike lower tail and learners who know both words can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Swordtail joins sword ('a long metal blade') and tail ('the back part of an animal'). The name is a simple picture: this small fish has a long, 'sword-like' part on its tail, so the word tells you it has a sword-shaped tail.