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Blackbanded limia (Limia melanonotata) — Poeciliidae

Blackbanded limia

Limia melanonotata
Family: Poeciliidae

The Blackbanded limia (Limia melanonotata) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Blackbanded limia is a small livebearing toothcarp (Poeciliidae) from fresh and brackish water of Hispaniola in the Caribbean region. The species grows to about 5 cm. The body bears a dark dorsal band. As a surface fish it lives in streams, pools and springs and eats algae, small invertebrates and detritus. The female gives birth to live young. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackbanded limia?

The Blackbanded limia has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Blackbanded limia live?

The Blackbanded limia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Blackbanded limia get?

The Blackbanded limia grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Blackbanded limia dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackbanded limia is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartrug-limia sourced
English name
Blackbanded limia sourced
Scientific name
Limia melanonotata
Family
Poeciliidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Limia

More from the family Poeciliidae

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