| Poeciliidae (Poeciliids), subfamily: Poeciliinae |
| 4 cm TL (male/unsexed); 6 cm TL (female) |
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benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 7 - 8; dH range: 9 - 19, non-migratory |
| North and Central America: Ciudad Veracruz, Mexico to northern Belize. At least one country reports adverse ecological impact after introduction. |
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Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10. Distinct line of black pigment midventrally on caudal peduncle absent. Greatest body depth about 2 times in SL. Ventral rays of caudal fin of males not elongated into a sword. Male gonopodium falling short of caudal fin base, without a membranous protuberance, third ray with a strong hook (Ref. 30499). |
| Adults occur in warm springs, canals and ditches with typically slow-moving water, silt bottoms and weedy banks (Refs. 5723; 44091, 44894). Also inhabit creeks and swamps (Ref. 44894). Feed on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter (Refs. 7020; 44091). Used for genetic research (Ref. 4537). Several color varieties are popular aquarium fishes, where they attain sexual maturity after 3-4 months and reproduce easily (Ref. 1672). Aquarium keeping: minimum aquarium size 60 cm (Ref. 51539). |
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Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 03 April 2018 Ref. (130435)
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Occur in various streams and rivers. Breeding populations of wild-types were reported from Tan Shan River. Introduced via the aquarium trade. Usually sold as live fish food and is also released during Buddhist rituals (Ref. 129032). |
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