The Black-bellied limia (Limia melanogaster) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The black-bellied limia is a small livebearer endemic to Jamaica in the Caribbean. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a silvery body with a few dark cross-bars and, in breeding females, a conspicuously dark belly. The male has an anal fin modified into a mating organ (gonopodium). It lives in calm fresh and brackish pools, streams and margins and eats algae, small zooplankton and mosquito larvae. Females give birth to live young. The fish is harmless to humans, occurs in the aquarium trade and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-bellied limia?
The Black-bellied limia has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern.
Where does the Black-bellied limia live?
The Black-bellied limia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.
How big does the Black-bellied limia get?
The Black-bellied limia grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Black-bellied limia dangerous to humans?
No, the Black-bellied limia is harmless to humans.
Is the Black-bellied limia edible?
The Black-bellied limia is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Limia
More from the family Poeciliidae
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