Laimosemion xiphidius Care Guide
Laimosemion xiphidius is a small blackwater killifish from French Guiana, kept in tightly covered, soft, acidic nano tanks.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Laimosemion xiphidius (formerly Rivulus xiphidius) is a small South American killifish of the family Rivulidae. FishBase records males at up to 4.5 cm and females at about 3.0 cm total length, notes it is not a seasonal killifish, and considers it difficult to maintain in the aquarium.
Taxonomy
- Family: Rivulidae
- Genus: Laimosemion
- Scientific name: Laimosemion xiphidius
- Common synonym: Rivulus xiphidius
Habitat
FishBase places the species in the Oyapock River basin and adjacent coastal drainages of South America, in very shallow parts of small brooks where the water is brown and tannin-rich over a substrate of decaying vegetation, in shaded sections of slow-flowing rivers.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L (about 8 gal)
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 4.5-6.5
- GH: 1-5 °dGH
- Lifespan: 2-3 years
Diet
A carnivorous micropredator that takes small live and frozen foods suited to its tiny mouth.
Compatibility
A peaceful nano species. FishBase notes dominant males are followed by one to three females, so small harem groups suit it. It is best kept in a tightly covered blackwater tank, as the species may jump from the water when pursued; companions should be small and gentle, such as pencilfish and dwarf characins.
Breeding
FishBase notes sexual differentiation at 3-4 months, first reproduction around one year, eggs about 1.6 mm in diameter, and a generally limited reproductive output.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020), per FishBase.
Laimosemion xiphidius Breeding Guide
Overview
Laimosemion xiphidius (described as Rivulus xiphidius) is a small South American killifish of the Oyapock River basin and adjacent coastal drainages. FishBase records it from very shallow parts of small brooks where water is brown and rich in tannin over decaying vegetation, and classifies it as a non-seasonal killifish, so the eggs do not require a dry diapause.
Sexing
FishBase gives males a maximum of about 4.5 cm total length and females 3.0 cm, with sexual differentiation at roughly 3-4 months of age. Males carry the black-and-yellow striped tail and metallic blue body of display fish.
Conditioning
First reproduction occurs around one year of age. Mature adults should be conditioned on small live and frozen invertebrate foods in soft, acidic, tannin-stained water; FishBase lists pH 6.0-6.5 and 22-25 C for the species.
Breeding Setup
A tightly covered nano blackwater tank suits this jumper. Provide fine-leaved plants, moss and leaf litter as spawning sites in dim, soft, acidic water matching its natural brooks.
Spawning Behaviour & Trigger
FishBase notes dominant males are followed by one to three females during spawning and describes the species as not prolific. Eggs, about 1.6 mm in diameter, are deposited among plant material; the fish is a non-annual plant-spawner rather than a soil-diapause species.
Egg & Fry Care
Because output is low, eggs can be left in a quiet, well-planted tank or gently collected for separate incubation in water from the parents' aquarium. Free-swimming fry are small and take microscopic foods before progressing to newly hatched brine shrimp.
Common Challenges
The species is demanding: it needs stable soft acidic water, is prone to jumping, and is not prolific, so a tight lid and patience are essential. Stable parameters and a steady microfauna for fry minimise losses.