All fish / Poeciliidae

Cuban Limia

Limia vittata

Also known as cuban limia, striped limia, banded limia, limia vittata, リミア・ヴィッタータ, 古巴琳鳉

A sturdy livebearer from Cuba with a silvery olive body, an irregular line of dark spots along the flanks and a yellowish dorsal fin in males. Females grow noticeably bigger than males. It is kept for its hardiness, its peaceful nature and its habit of grazing algae, and it suits hard, alkaline water well.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

7 to 8.2

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more, with more females than males

Diet

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

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 4 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Cuba (endemic; fresh and brackish coastal waters)

Breeding

A livebearer that breeds readily: females give birth every four weeks or so to batches of 20 to 60 fry, and some broods are larger. Adults may eat the young, so dense plants or a separate rearing tank will improve survival.

Good to know

Prefers hard, alkaline water and copes with a little salt but does poorly in soft, acidic conditions. It can hybridise with other Limia species, so keep species apart to keep lines pure.