POECILIIDAE FAMILY
The Poeciliidae or Livebearing tooth-carp family originated from North, Central, and SouthAmerica, but now can be found worldwide, as they have been introduced for mosquito control.The fish of the Poeciliidae Family arethe best-known of all aquarium fish due to their relative ease of keep, and the many colorful, cultivated varietiesavailable.
Live-bearers are highly developed on an evolutionary scale, and their adaption gives theirlive young an advantage over egg-laying species.The genera of Poeciliidae that are most commonly kept in aquaria are
Belonesox, Limia, Poecilia
, and
Xiphophorus
.
SIZE
:Livebearing toothcarps are generally small to medium size, from 1.5-5" (4-13 cm) inlength.An exception is the Pike Livebearer which can reach 9" (23 cm)
S: Most species swim in the middle water levels.
TANK
:The required tank size varies according to the species, although usually a 20" (51cm) tank is sufficient.Most species like a well-planted tank with open swimming areas.A cover of floating plants is suggestedto serve as protection for the fry.
WATER
:Most species prefer a pH from 7-8, a water hardness from 8-18 dH, and a temperature from70-77°F (21-25°C).Many species prefer the addition of a small amount of salt.
SB
:For the most part, Livebearing toothcarps are peaceful fish that are suitable for communitytanks.Combine one male with several females.Do not make the mistake of combining livebearers with fish that requiresoft, acidic water.
FOOD
:Livebearers readily eat a variety of foods including live, vegetable, and flake.
SEX:Males possess a modified anal fin known as a gonopodium which is pointed unlike the "fin-shaped"anal fin of the females.
B
:Livebearers are well-known for their prolific breeding.This may be true, but raising the youngis not always so easy because the parents are cannibalistic.In a bare tank, all the young will likely beeaten.In a heavily planted tank with an abundance of food, some young usually survive.Alternatives to using a heavily plantedtank include using a breeding trap or placing the female in a tank of her own, feeding her while she is releasingthe young, and removing her after she is finished.
BP
:Breeding is usually easy.
R
:Livebearers have the ability to deliver several batches of young from a single fertilizationfrom a male.This process is known as superfetation.
Pike Livebearer, Pike Top Minnow
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Belonesox belizanus
SYN
: None
PD
: An elongated species with a flat-back profile.The lower jaw is longer than the upper,and turned up towards the water surface.The eye is large and the dorsal fin is located far back on the body.Theback is light brown to olive and the flanks are darker with a greenish iridescence.On the flanks are a series of smallblack spots that often form a broken line.The belly is yellowish white.At the base of the caudal fin is a darkspot.The fins are otherwise colorless.
SIZE
: Females to 9" (23 cm); males to 4" (10 cm)
SS
: None
HAB
: Central America; inhabits still marshes and lakes from
Honduras
to Southern
Mexico
S: top
TANK
: A tank measuring 40" (101 cm) with a capacity of 45-55 gallons is sufficient(170-209 l).The tank should be heavily planted with a partial cover of floating plants.Leave open swimming areas and use atight-fitting cover.The filter should be strong but create little current.
WATER
: pH 6.8-8.2 (7.5), 10-26 dH (15), 77-86°F (25-30°C).Suggest a 1-1.5% addition of salt.Thiscan be accomplished by adding 7.5-11 TSP. of slat to every 10 gallons (10-15 g/10 L).
SB
: A predatory species that will feed on smaller fish.Keep in a species tank or combine withother large species.Older fish become more aggressive with age.A shy fish that at first hides amongplants.
SC
: Cichlasomines species, large
Xiphophorus
sp (over 4.7" or 12 cmin length), Loricarids, Doradids.
FOOD
: Live; fish, earthworms, insects,
insect larvae
, crustaceans; beef heart; occasionallypellets.
SEX: Female is significantly larger and lack the gonopodium of the male.
B
: Spawning is easiest with the addition of salt.As many as 120 live young are born.Thesemeasure from 0.5" to 1" (1.3-2.5 cm) in length, depending on the size and condition of the female.Thefemale will not each the young, although they should be removed to a rearing tank of their own.The young grow quickly when fed on adiet of
Cyclops
and
Artemia
, and frequent partial water changes are administered.The young can later be fed small guppies.Theyoung must be frequently sorted for size so cabalism does not occur.
BP
: 4.Breeding is easy in a large species tank.
R
: The Pike Livebearer is the only species of the genus
Belonesox
.
DC
: 6.This predatory livebearer is best kept in a species tank.It requires a diet of live foods, andproper water conditions should be maintained.
Sailfin Molly
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Poecilia latipinna
SYN
:
Gambusialineolata, G. poecilioides, Limia lineolata, L. poecilioides, Mollienisia latipinna, Poecilia lineolata, P. multilineata
PD
: The Sailfin Molly is an elongated, laterally compressed fish with a large, elaboratedorsal fin.The snout and mouth are turned upwards toward the water surface. The male has a large dorsal finor sailfin which is brownish-red with iridescent spots.The flanks are brownish-red to olive-green with small iridescent scales.Thelower parts may have a violet iridescence.Six to seven transverse markings mark the rear parts of the body.Thecaudal fin is body-colored with three to five rows of iridescent scales.The colors of this species are highlyvariable.
SIZE
: Males to 4" (10 cm), females to 4.7" (12 cm)
SS
: Pacific Mexican Molly (
P. butleri
); Mexican Sailfin Molly (
P. velifera
); Mexican Molly (
P.mexicana
)
HAB
: Inhabits coastal marshes and river estuaries in fresh, brackish, and even salt water.NorthAmerica; from Virginia to Northern
Mexico
.
S: middle, top
TANK
: A tank measuring 36" (91 cm), with a volume of 35-45 gallons (132-170 L) issuggested.Use a strong filtration system as this species is a voracious eater.Follow suggestions for P. velifera.
WATER
: pH 7.0-8.5 (7.8), 20-38 dH (30), 70-79°F (21-26°C).A 0.5-3% addition of salt is suggestedby some, although unnecessary.Mix 4-23 TSP. of salt for every 10 gallons (5-30 g/10 L).
SB
: A peaceful community fish that can be combined with a variety of other fish that cantolerate an addition of salt.Keep one male with several females.Parents consume their young.
SC
: peaceful Cichlasomines, other livebearers,
Corydoras
, Rainbowfish, Loricarids.
FOOD
: Algae; live; worms, crustaceans, insects,
insect larvae
; plant matter; vegetablematter; flakes; pellets
SEX: The male is slightly smaller, more colorful, and has a tall dorsal fin (sailfin).Femaleslack a gonopodium.
B
:Use a heavily planted tank or a spawning trap as the parents quickly devour their young.Thegestation period is 8-10 weeks and each labor produces 15-70 young.The fry measure about 0.5" (1.3cm) and can be fed
Artemia
nauplii and crushed flake foods.
BP
: 4.Breeding is fairly easy.
R
: Black and Albino color forms are available.This species spawns with
P. velifera
and prodcues hybrids.This species can be kept in a marine tank after a period of acclimation.
DC
: 3.This hardy species requires frequent partial water changes to prosper.
Guppy, Millions fish
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Poecilia reticulata
SYN
:
Acanthocephalusguppii, A. reticulatus, Girardinus guppii, G. poeciloides, G. reticulatus, Haridichthys reticulatus, Heterandriaguppyi, Lebistes poecilioide, L. reticulatus, Poecilia poeciloides, Poecilioides reticulatus
PD
: The guppy is an elongated fish that is available in many different color and patternvariations.The mouth is up-turned and the head is small.Males are smaller, but they have a large, colorfultail.The larger females are plainer in color and have a smaller tail.The wild caught form is smaller andis less colorful than the widely available selectively-bred forms.The color, tail size, and pattern varygreatly on what variety the fish is.
SIZE
: Females to 2.8" (7 cm), males smaller
SS
: None
HAB
: Still and slow moving water on Caribbean coast of
Venezuela
, Trinidad, and Barbados,often in brackish water.Now usually bred in
Singapore
and United States.Introduced into Asia and Africa in aneffort to control mosquito population.
S: middle, top
TANK
: A tank measuring 16" (41 cm) with a capacity of 5 gallons (19 L) is adequatefor a pair.The tank should be well planted, and a cover of floating plants is suggested to provide a refugefor young.
WATER
: pH 7-8.5 (7.0), 10-30 dH (20), 64-84°F (18-29°C).A 0.5 to 2% addition of salt is recommended.Thiscan be accomplished by adding 4-15 TSP. of salt to every 10 gallons of water (5-20 g/10 l).
SB
: The selectively bred guppies are clumsy swimmers which cannot escape predators or fin-nippingspecies.Thus it is important to avoid combining the guppy with other than peaceful fish.Otherwise the guppy is a good communityfish, except that it prefers some salt to be added to the water.Keep one male with several females.
SC
:
Corydoras
, Platies, Mollies, Loricarids, tetras tolerant of hard, alkaline water
FOOD
: Live; worms, insects,
insect larvae
, crustaceans; flakes
SEX: The male is smaller, more colorful and has a larger tail.Males also have a gonopodium, a pointedanal fin.The female is larger and when pregnant, has dark spot on abdomen
B
: Male constantly tries to mate with the female, so more than one female should be providedso as one is not to become exhausted.The gestation period is 4-6 weeks and the female give birth to 10-100young.The parents chase young and will eat them.Use a breeding trap or well planted breedingaquarium.Some young usually survive in sparsely populated tank with lots of plants.The young can be raised with crushedflakes and
Artemia
nauplii.
BP
: 1.A prolific, easily bred species.Young may be found in the bag on the way homefrom the aquarium store.
R
:The Guppy has been subjected to a great deal of selective breeding, which has producedmany different color patterns and tail shapes.Due to the elaborate caudal fin, produced by selective breeding, maleguppies are not skillful swimmers.he wild, unimproved forms are usually only sold as food.Malesbecome sexually mature as early as two months old, while females take about three months.The wild form is much hardier than thedomesticated breeds.
DC
: 1 (wild form).A peaceful, hardy species that requires an addition of salt.
4 (domesticated varieties).These are less hardy than the robust wild form.
Short-finned Molly, Pointed-mouth Molly
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Poecilia sphenops
SYN
:
Mollienisiasphenops
is the most common among more than 40 synonyms known.
PD
: An elongated, laterally compressed fish with a pointed snout.The caudal fin is fan-shaped.Thecolor is highly variable ranging from the black molly to orange and blue forms.The feral form has an olive-green backand bluish flanks.The flanks are spotted with orange spots, and the belly region is orange.The iris of the eye is blue.Thefins are brownish.
SIZE
: Females to 4.7" (12 cm), males to 3.2" (8 cm)
SS
:Mexican Molly (
P.mexicana
)
HAB
: In fresh and brackish water in coastal areas from
Mexico
to Columbia.
S: middle, top
TANK
: A 32" (80 cm) or 30 gallons (114 L) is suitable for adults.Young can be kept in smaller tanks.Thetank should be well-planted with plants and add floating plants to serve as a retreat for young.Use wood and rocks for hiding placesand use a bright light to increase algae growth.
WATER
: pH 7.0-8.5 (7.6), 12-30 dH (20), 70-82°F (21-28°C).A 0.5-1.5% addition of salt can be used,although this is not required.This can be accomplished by adding 4-11 TSP. of salt to every 10 gallons (5-15 g/10 L).
SB
: This peaceful species can be combined in a community tank with other species that cantolerate hard, neutral to alkaline water.Best to keep one male to several females.
SC
:
Xiphophorus,Poecilia, Corydoras
, Gouramis, Loricarids, tetras tolerant of hard,alkaline water.
FOOD
: Algae; live; worms, crustaceans, insects,
insect larvae
; plant matter; vegetablematter; flakes; pellets
SEX: The male is slightly smaller, more colorful, and has a pointed anal fin (gonopodium).
B
: As for other livebearers.As many as 120 young are born after a gestation period of eight weeks.Protectthe young from the parents for they will be consumed.
BP
: 4.An easily bred species.
R
: This species was originally crossed with
P. latipinna
to produce a more disease-resistantblack molly.Several different color morphs are available.
DC
: 2.A robust species recommended for beginner's community tanks.4.The Black Molly is less hardy, and requireswarmer water temperatures from 77-84°F (25-29°C).The Black Molly requires well maintained waterand rarely lives longer than three years in captivity.Frequent partial water changes are essential for the health of allmorphs.
Mexican Sailfin Molly, Yucatan Sailfin Molly, Green Molly, Sailfin Molly
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Poecilia velifera
SYN
:
Mollienisiavelifera
PD
: The Mexican Sailfin Molly is an elongated, laterally compressed fin with a large, elaboratedorsal fin.The snout and mouth are turned upwards toward the water surface.The male has a large dorsal fin or sailfinwhich is orange to blue with iridescent spots.The sides of the male are bluish green to orange and covered with smallshimmering scales that are multi-colored.The coloring is highly variable.
SIZE
: Males to 6" (15 cm), Females to 6.5" (17 cm)
SS
: Pacific Mexican Molly (
P. butleri
); Sailfin Molly (
P. latipinna
); Mexican Molly (
P. mexicana
); Black Molly, Sphenop Molly, Molly (
P. sphenops
)
HAB
: In fresh and brackish water in river estuaries and coastal areas of the Yucatan Peninsula,Mexico.
S: middle, top
TANK
: A tank measuring 36" (90 cm) with a volume of 35 to 45 gallons (132-170 L) isadequate for adults, although larger tanks are preferred.Young can be kept in smaller tanks.Thetank should be well-planted and have lots of open swimming area so that the sailfin of the male can develop. Thetank should have strong lighting and the growth of algae should be encouraged.A cover of floating plants is suggestedto serve as refuge for the fry.
WATER
: pH 7.0-8.5 (7.8), 12-38 dH (30), 72-82°F (22-28°C).A 0.5-3% addition of salt is suggested,although unnecessary after a period of acclimation.Mix 4-23 TSP. of salt for every 10 gallons (5-30 g/10 L).
SB
: A peaceful, community fish.Keep one male with several females.This fish should be combined with fishthat can also tolerate hard, neutral to alkaline water.After acclimation, fish may be kept in a marine tank.
SC
: Gouramis, other livebearers, peaceful cichlids,
Corydoras,
Orange Chromide
FOOD
: Algae; live; worms, crustaceans, insects,
insect larvae
; plant matter; vegetablematter; flakes; pellets
SEX: The male is more colorful with a tall sail-like dorsal fin.Males also possess a gonopodium.
B
: The gestation period of the female is four to eight weeks.Usually the number of young range from25-60, although large females can produce as many as 200 at one time.Protect the fry fry the parents.
BP
: 5.Breeding is moderately difficult for a livebearer.
R
: An overcrowded tank will lead to stunted growth and the male may not develop their beautifulsailfin.There are several color variations including the Albino, Black, Red, and Green hybrids.Often
P. velifera
and
P.latipinna
crosses are sold. The only way to distinguish
P. velifera
from
P. latipinna
is that
P. velifera
has 18-19 rays on its dorsalfin, while
P. latipinna
only has 14.
DC
:6.This species is more sensitive than other Mollies, and regular water changes are essentialfor maintaining healthy fish.Favorable conditions are necessary for the development of the stunning sailfin of malefish.
Swordtail
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Xiphophorus helleri
SYN
:
Mollienisiahelleri
,
Xiphophorus brevis
,
X. jalapae
,
X. rachovii
,
X. strigatus
PD
: The Swordtail is an elongated species with a slender body.Males possess a characteristic, sword-likeappendage formed by the lower rays of the caudal fin.The original form imported to the hobby has an olive green back withgreenish-yellow flanks.A reddish stripe, bordered by greenish areas, extends from the the snout to the caudalfin.Thefins are greenish, while the sword is variable.Most Swordtails available today differ in coloration do to years ofselective breeding.
SIZE
: Males to 4" (10 cm), females to 4.7" (12 cm)
SS
: Other
Xiphophorus
species
HAB
: Occurs in a wide range of habitats in Central America;
Mexico
,
Guatemala
, Belize,and
Honduras
.
S: all
TANK
: A tank measuring 20" (50 cm) with a capacity of 10 gallons (38 L) is only suitablefor young fish under 2.8" (7 cm) in length.If adult fish are kept in a tank this size, aggressive tensions maybe present.A 28" (71 cm) tank with a volume from 20-25 gallons (76-95 L) is more suitable.Leaveopen swimming areas and use planting along the back and edges of the tank.A cover of floating plants can be usedto provide refuge for fry.
WATER
: pH 7.0-8.3 (7.3), 10-30 dH (15), 68-82°F (20-28°C)
SB
: A fish recommended for a community tank having fish that can tolerate neutral to alkalinewater conditions.Older individuals, especially males, will become combative in cramped conditions.Itis best to keep one male with two or three females.
SC
:
Colisa
,
Trichogaster
, other
Xiphophorus
,
Corydoras
, loricarids, tetras tolerant of hard water
FOOD
: Flake; small pellets; live; worms, crustaceans, insects,
insect larvae
.
SEX: Males are smaller, possess a gonopodium, and have a sword-like appendage on the caudalfin.
B
: After a gestation period of four to six weeks, the mother gives birth to 50-120 young.Suggestseparating the pregnant female from other fish.The fry are eagerly consumed by the parents and other fish.Thefry measure about 0.3" (8 mm) when they are born, and grow quickly.
BP
: 3.An easily bred fish, although the young are hard to protect unless a breeding trap or othermeans of refuge is used.
R
: Many different color morphs are available including red, green, red-eyed, albino, neon,Lyre-tail,Wag tail, Simpson, and the Tuxedo.Besides these many cultivated forms, there are a number of separatewild populations with varying colors and patterns.Swordtails are known for undergoing "sex-reversals," whenfemales appear to become males.This occurs most commonly to to five months after birth and in old females.Whenthis change occurs early in life, a male is simply going through late development.Sometimes old females develop male characteristicsafter they are no longer fertile.
DC
: 1.Swordtails are fish that are suitable for a beginner's community tank.
Platy, Moonfish
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Xiphophorus maculatus
SYN
:
Platypoecilusmaculatus
,
P. nigra, P. pruba
,
P. pulchra
PD
: A laterally compressed fish with and upturned mouth.The body may be elongated and the caudalfin in generally fan-shaped.The original form had a dark brown-olive back with bluish flanks.The flanks are often marked with twoto five transverse stripes.The belly is whitish.Most Platies now available are selectively produced.
SIZE
: Males to 1.5" (4 cm), females to 2.3" (6 cm)
SS
: Other
Xiphophorus
species
HAB
: Inhabits rivers on the Atlantic slope of Central America;
Mexico
, Belize,
Guatemala
,
Honduras
S: middle
TANK
: A tank measuring 20" (51 cm) with a capacity of 10 gallons (38 L) is suggested.Usewell-planted areas and maybe a cover of floating plants to serve as refuge for fry.
WATER
: pH 7-8.3 (7.4), 10-28 dH (18); 68-79°F (20-26°C)
SB
: A peaceful community fish.Adults may consume fry, although not as often as other
Xiphophorus
species.
SC
:
Poecilia
,
Colisa
,
Corydoras
, tetras which can tolerate harder, more alkaline water, Loricarids.
FOOD
: Flakes; small pellets; occasionally algae; live; insects,
insect larvae
, worms, brineshrimp
SEX: Males are smaller with a gonopodium.
B
: This species is sexually mature at four months.As many as 80 fry are born after a gestationperiod of four to six weeks.The fry should be protected from the adults.
BP
: 2.An easily bred species.
R
: There are numerous cultivated varieties available: Wag tail, red, Moon, blue, Coral,gold, Tuxedo, Mirror, Mickey Mouse, Comet, and black.
X. maculatus
had been crossed with
X. helleri
.
DC
: 2.A hardy fish suitable for a beginner.If this fish dies, first test the pH to be surethat it is not below 7.0.
Variegated Platy, Variatus Platy
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Xiphophorus variatus
SYN
:
Platypoecilusmaculatus dorsalis
,
P. variatus
,
P. variegatus
PD
: An elongated fish with a fan-shaped caudal fin.The back is slightly arched, and thebelly is full.The body coloration is variable, even on the original strain.Usually the flanks are yellowish toorange, to bluish with black spots.The dorsal fin is generally yellow and the caudal fin is red.Femalesare generally less colorful.
SIZE
: Males to 2" (5 cm), females to 2.7" (7 cm)
SS
: Other
Xiphophorus
species.
HAB
: Inhabits shallow, slow-moving rivers in Southern
Mexico
.
S: middle
TANK
: A tank measuring 20" (51 cm) with a capacity of 10 gallons (38 L) is sufficient.Followsuggestions for
X. maculatus
.
WATER
: pH 7-8.3 (7.5), 12-30 dH (16), 68-79°F (20-26°C)
SB
: A peaceful fish recommended for a community tank.
SC
:
Colisa
,
Corydoras
,
Poecilia
,
Xiphophorus,
Loricarids, some tetras tolerant of harder, alkaline water.
FOOD
: Flakes; small pellets; algae; live; insects,
insect larvae
, worms,
Brine Shrimp
SEX: Males are smaller with a gonopodium.
B
: After a gestation period of four to seven weeks, a female will have 20-150 young.Thefemale should be isolated prior to having the young, and the temperature should be raised to 72-81°F (22-27°C).Startfeeding with crushed flakes and
Artemia
nauplii.The young are sexually mature at six or seven months.
BP
: 2.An easily bred fish.
R
: Numerous cultivated varieties are available including the Marigold, Sunset, Black, andHigh-finned forms.
DC
: 1.A robust species suitable for a beginner.
Shark-repelling fishing gear in the works
(4/23/2008) Fishing gear that produces an electric field in sea water could help prevent sharks from becoming accidental bycatch, say scientists at NOAA.
Feds flood the Grand Canyon to save endangered fish
(3/5/2008) Federal government officials unleashed a flood of water from Glen Canyon Dam in northern Arizona to help restore the Grand Canyon's ecosystem which has suffered as a result of changes caused by the dam.
The copy for fish.mongabay.com was written in 1994-1995. Therefore some information such as scientific names may be out of date. For this, I apologize. Feel free to send corrections to me.
