Least Killies/Dwarf Livebearers?

[PinkCow]

I'm looking for general information on the least killiefish, also known as the dwarf livebearer (I think). This isn't for anything particular right now, I'm just doing some basic research on them for the future, and there isn't a lot of information on them that I've found yet.

Anybody have basic info or links to sites about them? Thanks!

 

[plah831]

see this thread
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79675&highlight=dwarf+livebearer

Maybe send tricksterpup a private message as s/he (sorry, don't know their gender) seems to have lots of knowledge on killifish.

 

[PinkCow]

Thanks! That thread's pretty helpful. And yes, trickster is the one who got me interested in these little fish, with those posts about them.

 

[kveeti]

A couple more reading links on them.

From Tropical Fish Hobbyist:
http://www.tfhmagazine.com/default.aspx?pageid=98

Greater Seattle Aquarium Society
http://www.gsas.org/Articles/1998/het-formosa.html

 

[tricksterpup]

Any thing specific you would like to know??

 

[PinkCow]

Well, let's see... what would I like to know?

1. How many gallons of water are required for these fish? Since I'm keeping fish in a dorm room, I'm looking into anything that can live in a smaller-than-average space. (i.e. my two bettas in desktop tanks) I've seen reccommendations for everything from one gallon to twenty on these fish.

2. What do they eat? Again, I've seen a lot of different information. I don't have direct access to live fish food, so that would be an issue.

3. What are the reccommendations for decor in a tank for least killies?

And anything else general you might like to add.

 

[tricksterpup]

Well, let's see... what would I like to know?

1. How many gallons of water are required for these fish? Since I'm keeping fish in a dorm room, I'm looking into anything that can live in a smaller-than-average space. (i.e. my two bettas in desktop tanks) I've seen reccommendations for everything from one gallon to twenty on these fish.

Ah dorm life.. well, how big can you go? If possible go with a 10 gallon with 40 fish or a 5 gallon with 20.

2. What do they eat? Again, I've seen a lot of different information. I don't have direct access to live fish food, so that would be an issue.

Crushed flake food would be fine and the ocassional Daphnia would be fine for them.

3. What are the reccommendations for decor in a tank for least killies?

I would go with a heavy planted tank with an undergravel or corner or sponge filter. Some driftwood and or Slate.

And anything else general you might like to add.

These are a pretty easy fish to raise. I like using a 10 or 5 gallon tank cause you can do more things with them plant wise and for lighting as well. I would only do a species only tank for these guys.

 

[PinkCow]

Thank you so much! I'm really disappointed--I found a 10 gallon tank for only $5 at a thrift store today, that I was going to pick up for a killie tank. Unfortunately my mother was driving, and she's quite against my having any more fish. So... that didn't work out. If I do get any of these fish, I'll probably be going with a 5 gallon. I have a leftover 1 gallon from my earlier betta days, but I would probably just keep that for plants like I'm planning on doing.

Oh, also, what kind of lighting do the least killies need?

Thanks so much for all the help!

 

[FireDancer7905]

Only males...?

Hi Tricksterpup! I am considering some of these for my 3 gallon (already cycled). Do you know of anywhere that sells males only? I can try online delivery if I need to, but I live near San Jose, CA, if anyone feels like selling some off. THANKS!

 

[tricksterpup]

Hi Tricksterpup! I am considering some of these for my 3 gallon (already cycled). Do you know of anywhere that sells males only? I can try online delivery if I need to, but I live near San Jose, CA, if anyone feels like selling some off. THANKS!

These are not a long lived fish, I belive up to a year to 2 if that. I would still say get nice mixed group. They are not a large breeder and will not over breed like most Poeciliidae. I think a three gallon should keep you just about the right size for a bit. Cause just getting males is just not getting into the spirit of these fish. They will be very tiny and you will have a hard time seeing them. That is why the females are also fun, they are more visible.

oh if you are still resistant to the idea of a mix tank. Then try your local fish club, usually they have auctions and there is a live bearer nut like me in them who could give or sell you some males.