All fish / Poeciliidae

Perugia's Limia

Limia perugiae

Also known as perugia limia, perugiae limia, limia perugiae, poecilia perugiae

Perugia's Limia is a sturdy livebearer from Hispaniola. Males have a tall dorsal fin, dark vertical bars and yellow to orange tones on the fins, while females are plainer silver. Keepers like it because it is hardy, active, grazes on algae and makes a good alternative to common mollies.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

7 to 8.2

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more, more females than males

Diet

Omnivore: algae, vegetable flakes, small live and frozen foods

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 4 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Dominican Republic and Haiti (Hispaniola)

Breeding

It gives birth to live young after internal fertilisation, with broods every four weeks or so. Breeding is easy in hard, alkaline water, and dense plants help the fry escape being eaten by adults.

Good to know

Duringlanis perugiae is a synonym in older use; most sources now list it as Limia perugiae. It prefers hard water and can tolerate a little salt, but soft acidic water does not suit it.