Breeding Black-Bellied Limia (Limia Melanogaster) In The Aquarium

Location

This fish lives in freshwater standing or with low current reservoirs.

Body description

Colour of the body is yellow-gray with light under-side from the head to the pelvic fins. It also has gray-black under-side from the pelvic fins to the tail. Male is smaller and less colourful than female. His caudal and dorsal fins have dark border. His anal fin is transformed into gonopodium – external copulatory organ.

Temperament and behaviour

This is shoal fish. It prefers to live in large groups. These fish swim at the top water levels. This is quiet, peaceful, friendly and active species.

Aquarium decoration

You may keep these fish in a general tank. This aquarium should be spacious with a lot of plants and place to swim. A partial water changes should be done regularly. This species eats algae.

Breeding

This is live-bearer species – fertilization is internal. The pregnant female can be recognized by a dark pregnant-spot on her belly. You should move pregnant female to a separate aquarium. The gestation period of the fish is several weeks. The fry (about 20) appears in the tank every 4-6 weeks after this time. The fry starts to swim and feed straight away. This species is often crossed with other species from the same family.