Laimosemion xiphidius Care Guide
Laimosemion xiphidius is a small blackwater killifish from French Guiana, kept in tightly covered, soft, acidic nano tanks.
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.