Edit Alfaro cultratus
You can suggest changes to this profile. A moderator will review each change.
Name
Scientific name
Alfaro cultratus
Described by
Authority Regan, Year 1908, Bracketed
Family
Poeciliidae
Common names
Knife Livebearer, Messerschwanzkärpfling
Photograph credits
All 2 credited
Summary
The knife livebearer, Alfaro cultratus, is a poeciliid from rivers, streams, ditches and backwaters in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. Th…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
75mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Not recorded
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 24–28°C, pH 6–8
Hardness
5–20dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Bartola, Matina, Puerto Viejo, Sapoa, Sarapiquí, San Juan (Nicaragua)
Writing
Etymology
Alfaro: named for Anastasio Alfaro (1865-1951), who was Director of the National Museum of Costa Rica and “the best known scientist of the Republic” at the tim…
Distribution
Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. Type locality is "Río Iroquois, Costa Rica".
Habitat
Is found in rivers, streams, ditches and backwaters in areas of both slow and moderate flow.
Aquarium size
Not written yet
Maintenance
It's most at home in a planted aquarium. Provide areas of dense vegetation, along with some open areas for swimming. Other decor can consist of twisted roots a…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Unfussy. Offer a varied mix of dried, frozen and live foods.
Behaviour and compatibility
Can be aggressive, especially towards conspecifics. Best kept in a species tank or with robust fish of a similar size.
Sexual dimorphism
The male possesses a gonopodium and extended ventral fins, while the female is larger and plumper.
Reproduction
An easily-bred live bearer. If conditions are to their liking young will be produced regularly. Fry should be removed to a separate tank as you notice them and…
Notes
This is an exceptionally hardy and adaptable species. It's not an especially common fish in stores, but is quite widely available in hobbyist circles. The comm…
References
References
No references