Care
The Sparkling Limia is found in shallow, well-vegetated habitats in its Hispaniolan homeland, some of which are hypersaline and more salty that the sea. An active and social species, size and colouration of populations is linked to water parameters - the saltier the water, the smaller and less colourful the fish are.
The aquarium should contain plenty of cover that will enable any fry to hide from the adults when breeding takes place and to allow the females to find some refuge from persistent male attention. It is not advisable to keep this species with similar Limia/Poecilia species as interbreeding is likely to occur. They can, however, be kept with other species that are peaceful and enjoy the same hardwater conditions. As with many vigorous livebearers, it's best to outnumber the males with two or three females or keep them in batchelor groups. Dominant males are the most colourful and keeping a number together will encourage competition and distract them from chasing the females constantly.
May also be seen as Perugia's limia.
Feeding
Green flake, flake, micropellets, small frozen foods, vegetable matter: blanched spinach, lettuce, kale etc. These fish will leave aquatic plants alone if a good proportion of vegetable matter is included in the diet.
Breeding
Easy. The female gestates for 4-6 weeks, and then releases a small number of fry (usually 10-25) depending on size of the female. Adults often predate on the fry, which is why it is important to create a maze of plant cover for the young to hide amongst. For maximum productivity, move the female into a rearing tank ahead of giving birth and provide plenty of cover for the newly-released fry.
