The various Xiphophorus species are native to areas of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and especially Mexico. All small fishes, they reach maximum lengths of 2.5–14 cm (1.0–5.5 in). IUCN lists two Xiphophorus species, the Marbled swordtail (X. meyeri) and the Northern platyfish (X. gordoni), as Endangered, while the Monterrey platyfish (X. couchianus) is listed as Critically Endangered.