{"product_id":"fresh-water-fish-uk-for-sale-limia-vittata-wild-3-6313","title":"Limia vittata wild 3 - (Limia vittata) — 3-4cm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCuban Limia\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eLimia vittata\u003c\/em\u003e) is a hardy, peaceful Cuban livebearer that thrives in hard, alkaline water and adds constant activity to the aquarium. Native to Cuba, especially freshwater habitats in western and central Cuba, this species is prized for its manageable size, peaceful nature, and adaptability. Now available \u003cstrong\u003efor sale UK\u003c\/strong\u003e from Tropical Fish Co, this charming livebearer is ideal for the hard-water community aquarium enthusiast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cuban Limia typically reaches around 3.5 cm in total length, making it a small livebearer. The body is elongated and robust, with a pale silver or olive base color marked with subtle vertical bars or stripes along the flanks. The fins are delicate and transparent, often showing subtle hints of color in well-conditioned males. Females are generally larger and more robust. Healthy specimens have bright, clear eyes and smooth, undamaged scales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem\u003eLimia vittata\u003c\/em\u003e is native to Cuba, especially freshwater habitats in western and central Cuba, where it inhabits slow-moving streams, ponds, marshes, and coastal lagoons with dense aquatic vegetation. These waters are typically hard, warm, and alkaline. The substrate is composed of fine mud or sand, and the fish spend much of their time among plants and cover, feeding on small invertebrates, algae, and organic detritus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA well-planted aquarium of at least 75 litres is recommended for a small group of Cuban Limias. Use a fine gravel or sand substrate and incorporate plenty of live plants such as \u003cem\u003eVallisneria\u003c\/em\u003e, Java fern, \u003cem\u003eCryptocoryne\u003c\/em\u003e species, and floating plants to provide cover and grazing surfaces. Ensure good filtration and moderate water movement. A secure lid is advisable, as livebearers can jump when startled. Maintain stable, warm water with hard, alkaline pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18-24°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.5-8.2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hard, mineral-rich water preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good flow, regular water changes essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cuban Limia is an omnivore and thrives on a varied diet. Offer quality flake or small pellet foods as a staple, supplemented with vegetable matter such as spirulina, blanched greens, and algae-based foods, plus occasional live or frozen foods like daphnia and brine shrimp. Feed twice daily in small amounts to maintain excellent water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis livebearer is peaceful, active, and social, constantly on the move and best kept in a small group. Males may harass females, so keep in a ratio of one male to multiple females to reduce stress. When kept in proper numbers, the Cuban Limia is confident and displays natural behavior. They occupy all levels of the aquarium and are most active during the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best kept in hard, mineral-rich, alkaline water with good filtration and regular water changes. Males may harass females, so keep in a ratio of one male to multiple females, and provide plenty of plant cover.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cuban Limia is suitable for a hard-water community aquarium with other peaceful fish. Good tankmates include other peaceful livebearers and small peaceful hard-water community fish of similar size. Avoid aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping barbs, large predatory fish, soft-water species requiring acidic conditions, and highly territorial fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding the Cuban Limia is straightforward. This is a livebearer that breeds readily in suitable hard, alkaline water. Females give birth to free-swimming young. Provide dense plant cover or a breeding trap if fry survival is desired, as adults may eat fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropical Fish Co is a leading UK aquatics specialist offering hardy and peaceful livebearers like the Cuban Limia direct to your door. Every fish is quarantined, inspected, and dispatched with expert care to ensure it arrives in peak condition. With decades of experience, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer support, we make it easy to add peaceful, easy-to-keep species to your collection. Order online today and enjoy fast, reliable delivery across the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57427512426831,"sku":"6313","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/limia-vittata-wild-3-limia-vittata-3-4cm-hero-driftwood-6313.webp?v=1776550177","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/fresh-water-fish-uk-for-sale-limia-vittata-wild-3-6313","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}