Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus of fish: "Genus Xyphophorus" is the scientific name for a genus of small, freshwater fish belonging to the family Poeciliidae. This genus is best known for including popular aquarium species, such as various swordtails and platies.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The biologist is studying the evolutionary history of genus Xyphophorus.
  • Many colorful aquarium fish, like the red swordtail, belong to genus Xyphophorus.
  • Hybridization between species within genus Xyphophorus is common in captivity.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific literature: The name is always italicized, and the genus name ("Xyphophorus") is capitalized. When used with a specific species name (e.g., ), the entire binomial is italicized.
  • The study focused on the mating behaviors of Xyphophorus hellerii.

Variants and Related Words

• Xyphophorus (n): The standardized, italicized form of the genus name used in scientific contexts.
• Swordtail (n): A common name for fish in this genus, particularly , referring to the elongated lower part of the tail fin in males.
• Platy (n): A common name for other fish species within this genus, such as .

Synonyms

• Swordtail genus: A descriptive, non-scientific synonym.
• (Taxonomic) genus: A general term for the rank in biological classification to which belongs.

Noun

1. swordtails