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Tiburon limia (Limia heterandria) — Poeciliidae

Tiburon limia

Limia heterandria
Family: Poeciliidae

The Tiburon limia (Limia heterandria) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Venezuela

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Description

The Tiburon limia is a livebearing toothcarp (Poeciliidae) found only in fresh and brackish water of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a stocky, silver-grey body with fine markings; males are smaller. The male fertilises the female internally with an anal fin modified into a gonopodium, after which live young are born. As a social fish it snaps at mosquito larvae, small invertebrates and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tiburon limia?

The Tiburon limia has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Tiburon limia live?

The Tiburon limia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Venezuela

How big does the Tiburon limia get?

The Tiburon limia grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Tiburon limia dangerous to humans?

No, the Tiburon limia is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Tiburon limia sourced
Scientific name
Limia heterandria
Family
Poeciliidae
Other names
Venezuela molly sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Venezuela sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. 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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