[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Livebeavers – Knife Livebearer (Alfaro cultratus)

While not the most colorful of the poeciliines, Knife Livebearer makes a dazzling display when kept in a shoal. The “knife” consists of a series of scales on the lower edge of the body located between the vent and the beginning of the caudal fin. Alfaro huberi (Orange Rocket) from Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua has a central body spot, is smaller (around 2 3/4in/7cm), and is less frequently available.

Family

• Poeciliidae

Subfamily

• Poeciliinae

Distribution

• Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama.

Size

• Males up to 3 1/2in (9cm); females slightly larger.

Behavior

• Can be shy and easily frightened in sparsely decorated aquaria. Males are sometimes aggressive toward each other but not excessively so when kept in a shoal that includes several other males. Aggression is highest when only 2 males are present.

Diet

• Livefoods preferred, but other diets also accepted.

Aquarium

• Spacious, well planted, and covered, with some open swimming spaces and shelters. Neutral or slightly alkaline medium-hard, well-filtered water with some movement (as produced by a powerhead outlet) is recommended. Temperature range: 75-82°F (24-28°C).

Breeding

• Fertilization is internal. Females give birth to as many as 1 00 fry every 4-5 weeks (although broods are generally much smaller than this).