Limia melanogaster
Black-bellied Limia
Last revised 2012Edit this page
On this page11 sections
Quick factsEdit
Difficulty4 of 8 measures
- Space
- medium tank
- Water
- needs a steady pH
- Temp
- flexible
- Diet
- unknown
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Social
- unknown
- Compatibility
- unknown
Other demands
Each of these can raise the rating on its own, whatever the measures above say.
- Hardiness
- unknown
The black-bellied limia, Limia melanogaster, is a small livebearer endemic to Jamaica, where it usually lives in small streams. Originally placed in Limia, it was later treated as a member of Poecilia and has since been returned to Limia, but much of the literature still refers to it as Poecilia. Peaceful and easy to breed, it is not often seen for sale in the hobby.
Distribution
EditHabitat
Write a noteEditIt is usually found living in small streams.
Aquarium size
Write a noteEdit60 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm24 ∗ 12 ∗ 12 in
Maintenance
Write a noteEditPrefers a tank with densely planted areas but also plenty of open swimming space hence the relatively large recommended tank size. Also appreciates some floating cover.
Water conditions
EditTemperature: 22 – 28 °C72 – 82 °F
pH: 7.5-8.5
Hardness: 20-30 dH
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Diet
Write a noteEditVery unfussy. Will accept most foods
Behaviour and compatibility
Write a noteEditPeaceful and can be combined with other small hard water tolerant fish.
Sexual dimorphism
Write a noteEditThe male is smaller and possesses a gonopodium.
Reproduction
Write a noteEditEasy. Reproduces in the usual livebearer fashion. Males can be incredibly vigorous in their pursuit of females, so the breeding tank should be as large as possible with heavily planted areas in which the females can take shelter. The addition of some floating plants is also a good idea. The adult fish are less cannibalistic than many livebearer species and can be left in the aquarium if so desired. Each brood may contain 20-50 fry, and gestation takes between 4-6 weeks. The fry are large enough to take newly hatched brine shrimp or powdered flake from birth, although they take several months to exhibit adult colouration.
Notes
EditThis species was originally classified in the genus Limia before this was made a sub-genus of Poecilia. Confusingly they have been reclassified once more into Limia, but are still referred to as members of Poecilia in much of the available literature.
L. melanogaster is endemic to Jamaica. It is not often seen for sale in the hobby.
Species images · 2
These photographs are used with each photographer’s permission.
Send a photographProfile completeness18 of 24
75% complete
Also missing: a recorded distribution, taxonomic authority, etymology.
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