Fin's Fish Guide
The Lerma livebearer (Poeciliopsis infans) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The Lerma livebearer is a very small livebearing fish of the family Poeciliidae from the highlands of central Mexico, in the Lerma-Santiago drainage. The species reaches only about 3.5 cm and has a slender body; the male has a gonopodium. It inhabits standing and slow-flowing waters and prefers altitudes of around 1000 m. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, detritus and small zooplankton. Fertilisation is internal and the female bears live young. It is one of the smallest livebearers of the Mexican highlands.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lerma livebearer?
The Lerma livebearer has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very small ovoviviparous fish of the Mexican highlands (Lerma-Santiago basin).
Where does the Lerma livebearer live?
The Lerma livebearer lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Highlands of central Mexico (Lerma-Santiago river basin).
How big does the Lerma livebearer get?
The Lerma livebearer grows to a maximum of about 4 cm. On average the species is around 3 cm.
Is the Lerma livebearer dangerous to humans?
No, the Lerma livebearer is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Lerma livebearer edible?
The Lerma livebearer is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Poeciliopsis
More from the family Poeciliidae
Want the complete picture on the Lerma livebearer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lerma livebearer is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone