Blue-bellied limia

Limia melanogaster

Steel-blue males and a conspicuous female belly patch.

Settled males show a steel-blue sheen; females are usually fuller, with a more conspicuous dark abdominal area. This active livebearer needs both swimming room and shelter from pursuit.

Adult length: Up to 4 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 22–28 °C
pH: 7.5–8.5
Hardness: 18–30 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits streams, with records near the surface.

Cover the tank against jumping, provide dense planting and swimming room, and avoid excessive current. Keep related species separate for lineage breeding.

View comparison →

Appearance and identification

Adult males show a steely blue lower flank, dark rear body and a yellow tail with dark edging; females are plainer and can show a dark abdominal patch.

Same-species behaviour

Keep at least six of the same species with two females per male. Keep the aquarium covered because active or pursued fish may jump.

Space requirements

Allow a swimming length of at least 30 inches (76.2 cm).

Diet and feeding

Offer complete dry foods with small live or frozen foods and a substantial plant component; fine-leaved plants may be nibbled.

Compatibility limits

Choose similarly sized, peaceful companions suited to hard alkaline water. Do not breed it alongside very similar livebearers because of hybridisation risk.

Aquarium environment

Use rooted and floating plants for cover while retaining swimming space and circulation without a powerful current. It grazes algae and may nibble fine-leaved plants; provide substantial vegetable food rather than relying on algae alone.

Sources

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-22

www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25

api.gbif.org ↗