| Family: |
Poeciliidae (Poeciliids), subfamily: Poeciliinae |
| Max. size: |
4 cm TL (male/unsexed); 6 cm TL (female) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 7 - 8; dH range: 9 - 19, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
North and Central America: Ciudad Veracruz, Mexico to northern Belize. At least one country reports adverse ecological impact after introduction. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10. Distinct line of black pigment midventrally on caudal peduncle absent. Greatest body depth about 2 times in SL. Ventral rays of caudal fin of males not elongated into a sword. Male gonopodium falling short of caudal fin base, without a membranous protuberance, third ray with a strong hook (Ref. 30499). |
| Biology: |
Adults occur in warm springs, canals and ditches with typically slow-moving water, silt bottoms and weedy banks (Refs. 5723; 44091, 44894). Also inhabit creeks and swamps (Ref. 44894). Feed on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter (Refs. 7020; 44091). Used for genetic research (Ref. 4537). Several color varieties are popular aquarium fishes, where they attain sexual maturity after 3-4 months and reproduce easily (Ref. 1672). Aquarium keeping: minimum aquarium size 60 cm (Ref. 51539). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 03 April 2018 Ref. (130435)
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| Threat to humans: |
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