Green swordtails live in mixed, hierarchically structured groups. Dominant males held home-ranges and dominant positions over periods of many days to weeks. Green swordtails are prolific live-bearers. Museum records exist for Brevard, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, and Polk counties, Florida. However, the present status of this species in Texas is uncertain.
Green swordtails are very popular aquarium fish, and as such, are commercially valuable.
Because of their small size, they are of no value as food fish. The green swordtail was formerly established in Florida. Courtenay et al. Courtenay et al. The bright colors of males and the similarity in feeding and habitat requirements of this species to those of native poeciliids, minimizes its potential impact on the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem.