Cuban Limia (Limia vittata) Care Guide

A robust livebearer from Cuba with attractive blue-green iridescence and dark vertical bars. Males develop a distinctive gonopodium and deeper coloration.

Overview

Limia vittata is a species in the family Poeciliidae. A robust livebearer from Cuba with attractive blue-green iridescence and dark vertical bars. Males develop a distinctive gonopodium and deeper coloration. Hardy and undemanding, it adapts well to a range of water conditions.

Taxonomy

Family: Poeciliidae
Genus: Limia
Scientific name: Limia vittata
Origin: Caribbean, Cuba

Habitat

Limia vittata, a livebearing fish endemic to Cuba, inhabits coastal lagoons, ditches and slow fresh and slightly brackish waters. It is a hardy omnivore tolerant of hard, alkaline conditions and feeds on algae, detritus and small invertebrates.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 80 L
Temperature: 22-28 °C
pH: 7-8.5
GH: 10-25 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 5-10 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: middle
Compatible tank mates: Platy, Molly, Corydoras, Swordtail
Avoid with: Aggressive Cichlids, Large Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: live-bearer
Breeding difficulty: beginner