Cuban Limia (Limia vittata)
| Cuban Limia Limia vittata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Cuban Limia |
| Name Lat. | Limia vittata |
| Synonym | Poecilia vittata |
| Family | Livebearers |
| Family lat. | Poeciliidae |
| Order | Killifishes & Livebearers |
| Order lat. | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Origin | Caribbean, Cuba |
| Habitat | Streams, ponds |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 7.0-8.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Livebearer |
| Breeding | Simple |
| Life Span | 2-3 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 8-10 cm |
| Temperature | 22-28 °C |
| Hardness | 10-30 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3"-4" |
| Temperature | 72-82 °F |
| Hardness | 178-534 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Cuba carps are native to the Caribbean islands and Cuba. There they live in clear, stagnant and flowing waters with dense shore and underwater vegetation, where they usually occur in small schools or groups
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a partly dense edge planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate, some shaded light (floating plants) and slightly alkaline, medium to hard water is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen). In addition, they need regular vegetable food, such as algae leaves or commercial green food (spirulina, kelp)
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
These peaceful fish should be kept in a group of at least 6-8, with females predominating. They can be well socialized with peaceful fish such as other livebearers, Corydoras, etc.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The dorsal and caudal fins of the smaller males are more intensely colored and have an anal fin (gonopodium) converted to a mating organ. The females are larger and appear rounder.
Reproduction and breeding
They are viviparous fish. Internal fertilization is provided by the male's gonopodium. After about 3-5 weeks of gestation, up to 50 fry are born. They are already fully developed and independent at birth. After filling their swim bladder at the water surface, they can immediately start feeding.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
Soft water is not tolerated well on a permanent basis, so the addition of sea salt (approx. 30 g per 10 l) from the pet store is recommended for water hardening in soft water.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH value, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF