{"product_id":"small-aquarium-fish-for-sale-uk-metallic-topminnow-girardi-girardinus-metallicus-6035","title":"Metallic Topminnow, Girardi (Girardinus metallicus) — 3-4cm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMetallic Topminnow\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eGirardinus metallicus\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the Metallic Livebearer, is a hardy, attractive Cuban livebearer with metallic sheen and fascinating male color morphs, ideal for peaceful planted aquariums. Native to Cuba, including the main island and Isla de la Juventud, this species is prized for its shimmering appearance, peaceful nature, and easy breeding habits. Now available \u003cstrong\u003efor sale UK\u003c\/strong\u003e from Tropical Fish Co, this charming livebearer is ideal for the community aquarium enthusiast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Metallic Topminnow typically reaches around 3.5 cm in total length, making it a small livebearer. The body is robust and deep-bodied, with a shimmering metallic silver or gold base color that shows vivid iridescence under good lighting. Males may display different color morphs, with some showing vivid blue, green, or yellow highlights, while others remain more subdued. Females are generally larger, more robust, and less colorful. 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\u003eGirardinus metallicus\u003c\/em\u003e is native to Cuba, including the main island and Isla de la Juventud, where it inhabits slow-moving streams, ponds, marshes, and coastal lagoons with dense aquatic vegetation. These waters are typically moderately hard, warm, and slightly 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 60 litres is recommended for a small group of Metallic Topminnows. 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 hiding places. Ensure good filtration and moderate water movement. A secure lid is advisable, as livebearers can jump when startled. Maintain stable, warm water with slightly 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 22-28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.0-8.2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard to hard 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 Metallic Topminnow is an omnivore and thrives on a varied diet. Offer high-quality flake or micro-pellets as a staple, supplemented with frozen and live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and small insect prey. Include some vegetable matter or algae-based foods to support digestive health. 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 be persistent toward females, so a larger group with more females than males helps reduce stress. When kept in proper numbers, the Metallic Topminnow 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, alkaline water with good filtration and regular water changes. Males can be persistent toward females, so a larger group with more females than males helps reduce stress.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Metallic Topminnow is suitable for a peaceful community aquarium with other small fish. Good tankmates include small peaceful fish of similar size, ideally species-only or with very calm tankmates, snails, and possibly shrimp (though very small shrimp may be eaten). Avoid large predatory fish, fin-nipping species, aggressive cichlids, large barbs, and any fish large enough to eat them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding the Metallic Topminnow is straightforward. This is a livebearer that breeds readily in good conditions. Provide a planted tank with cover, and separate fry if you want to raise more young. Males may show different color morphs, and females can store sperm for multiple broods. Fry are free-swimming at birth and can be raised on very small live foods.\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 rare and beautiful livebearers like the Metallic Topminnow 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, colorful 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":57427511214415,"sku":"6035","price":2.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/metallic-topminnow-girardi-girardinus-metallicus-3-4cm-hero-driftwood-6035.webp?v=1776550004","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/small-aquarium-fish-for-sale-uk-metallic-topminnow-girardi-girardinus-metallicus-6035","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}