Poecilia parae Care Guide
Poecilia parae is a small livebearing fish from northern South America notable for at least five distinct, Y-linked male colour morphs.
Overview
Poecilia parae is a small livebearing fish related to the Endler's livebearer. It was described by Carl H. Eigenmann in 1894. Wikipedia notes that at least five distinct male colour morphs are known, with a single female colour form, and that male coloration is linked to the Y-chromosome.
Taxonomy
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Genus: Poecilia
- Scientific name: Poecilia parae
- Described by: Eigenmann, 1894
Habitat
FishBase records the species from South America, from Guyana to the Amazon River delta, in fresh and brackish waters. It inhabits small swamps and shallow, slow-flowing creeks with clear water and sandy-muddy substrate. Wikipedia adds that it occurs in estuaries with both fresh and brackish water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Lifespan: 1-3 years
Diet
The species is a small omnivore. FishBase classifies it as omnivorous but does not detail specific prey items.
Compatibility
Poecilia parae is a small, peaceful, mid-water fish best kept with similarly sized, non-aggressive tankmates. Larger or boisterous fish should be avoided.
Breeding
The species is a livebearer. FishBase reports that females produce 5 to 15 young after about 24 days of gestation. Wikipedia notes laboratory studies of alternative male mating strategies, in which the most common morph is the most reproductively successful while females prefer rarer morph males.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 9 November 2020), as reported by FishBase.