Ten-spotted Livebearer Care Guide
Cnesterodon decemmaculatus is a tiny, cool-tolerant South American livebearer with black flank spots, suited to small unheated planted tanks.
Overview
Cnesterodon decemmaculatus, the ten-spotted livebearer, is a very small poeciliid from temperate South America, marked with a row of dark spots along each flank. It is notably tolerant of cooler water and is one of the smallest commonly kept livebearers.
Taxonomy
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Genus: Cnesterodon
- Scientific name: Cnesterodon decemmaculatus
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species inhabits the lower Uruguay, Laguna dos Patos, Negro and Salado river basins, plus western drainages of Argentina and small coastal drainages of Uruguay and Argentina. It occurs in fresh and brackish waters with relatively cool temperatures.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L
- Temperature: 16-26 °C (61-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8.0
- GH: 5-18 °dGH
- Lifespan: 2-3 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore. In the aquarium it accepts small dried foods alongside live and frozen items, and grazes on biofilm and algae. Small frequent feedings suit its size.
Compatibility
The ten-spotted livebearer is peaceful and well suited to small, planted community tanks with other tiny, gentle species. Its small size and tolerance of cooler temperatures make it unsuitable for tanks with larger fish that could prey on it.
Breeding
Cnesterodon decemmaculatus is viviparous, giving birth to live young (FishBase). Males possess a modified anal fin (gonopodium) and the species exhibits distinct pairing; reproduction occurs readily in the aquarium, and dense planting offers cover for the fry.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020), per FishBase.