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.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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
Cuban Limia Breeding Guide (Limia vittata)
Overview
The Cuban Limia (Limia vittata) is a livebearing poeciliid native to Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud; the female carries developing embryos internally and gives birth to fully formed young. The species inhabits streams, lakes, estuaries, coastal lagoons and mangrove swamps and tolerates fresh, brackish and saline water.
Sexing
Males are much smaller, reaching about 5 cm, with a dorsal and anal fin that are usually yellow-orange and marked with blue-black spots. Females grow to over twice that size, about 10 cm, with colourless fins bearing a few scattered black freckles and a yellow patch near the vent.
Conditioning
This is a productive livebearer; well-conditioned females breed repeatedly, producing successive broods through the season.
Breeding Setup
Hard, neutral-to-alkaline water suits the species, reflecting its tolerance of fresh through saline conditions. Provide planting so the live fry have cover.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Fertilization is internal, as in other poeciliids, and the female retains the young until they are born free-swimming.
Birth & Fry Care
A larger female may give birth to up to 50 fry at a time and produce around 100 young over a 4-6 week period. The free-swimming fry can be reared among plants and accept small foods appropriate to their size.
Common Challenges
As with other livebearers, the main tasks are giving fry enough cover from adults and managing the steady output of broods.