Live Bearers for sale in the Netherlands

Livebearers: behaviour and suitability

Males are often very active in pursuing females. In many species females can store sperm and produce more young later. Dense plants offer fry some cover, but the parents do not care for them. Always assess the actual animal and, when a trade label covers several species, verify the scientific name before acquisition. Age, sex, health and previous housing can noticeably influence behaviour.

Care and housing

First identify family and species. Many familiar Poeciliidae need 22–25 °C, pH 7–8.5 and moderately hard to hard water, but there are clear exceptions and some livebearers inhabit brackish or marine water. Keep more female than male Poeciliidae. Set up the complete enclosure before the animal arrives and record relevant values and daily behaviour. A sudden change in appetite, activity, breathing, posture or droppings calls for a check of the environment and, where needed, knowledgeable help.

Health and responsible acquisition

Choose active, non-thin fish with clean skin and normal swimming. Dull skin, clamped fins and slow or crooked swimming are warning signs. White spot, fin rot and columnaris occur. Always ask for current water values and exact species. Ask the seller about age, origin, current care and known health problems, and ensure any documents belong to the animal offered. Never choose on colour, size or price alone, and identify a knowledgeable veterinarian or other species expert before urgent problems arise.