All fish / Poeciliidae

Sulphur Limia

Limia sulphurophila

Also known as sulfur limia, sulphur spring limia, limia sulphurophila

A small livebearer from Hispaniola that lives naturally in warm, sulphur-rich spring water. Males show faint dark bars and yellowish fins, and the species is kept mainly by livebearer enthusiasts who want to help maintain rare Caribbean fish in captivity.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

24 to 30 °C

pH

7 to 8.5

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more, with more females than males

Diet

Omnivore: algae, spirulina flakes, small live and frozen foods such as daphnia and brine shrimp

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 3 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Dominican Republic (sulphur springs near Lago Enriquillo, Hispaniola)

Breeding

Females give birth to small batches of live young after internal fertilisation, usually every four weeks or so. Breeding is straightforward in a planted tank with hard, alkaline water, and adults rarely chase the fry if cover is dense.

Good to know

Very restricted wild range and rarely sold, so it is mostly passed between hobbyist breeders; keep the line pure and avoid mixing with other Limia, which can hybridise.