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View Full Version : Heterandria formosa


blainep
Sep 3rd 2007, 09:18 PM
Heterandria formosa

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Common Name - Least killifish/Pygmy livebearer

Scientific Name - Heterandria formosa

Family - Poeciliidae

Location - North America : North Carolina to Florida

Sexing - Males are smaller and have a gonopodium.

Environment - Subtropical, ideally 20 to 26°C. Some report of overwintering in ponds in mild Canadian climates. Minimum recommended tank size 5 gallons. PH 7.0 to 8.0, prefers slightly hard, alkaline water.

Breeding - Livebearer, Due to their small size, females produce 1 or 2 fry per day for up to 75 days.

Size - Females approx 3cm, males are smaller.

Notes - H. formosa are an extremely hardy little fish and the smallest known livebearer in the world (so I've read). Their natural diet includes small crustaceans, insect larvae, worms and plant matter. They readily accept flakes and small pellets.
H. formosa should be kept in a planted aquarium with low to no water current. Though not a fast swimming fish, they are constantly moving. They tend to stay near to the bottom of the tank, always hunting for a bite to eat.
A species tank is recommended, their small size makes them a target for larger fish. Fry do not need to be removed from the tank, rarely are they eaten by the adults.

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Copyright © 2007 Blaine Popp/Canadian Aquarium Connection