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Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Cuban limia

Limia vittata

Cuban limia (Limia vittata)
Cuban limia. Photo: Cardet co6cs, CC BY-SA 3.0. Photo: Cardet co6cs · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0Existing media pipeline resizes proportionally; no crop or colour change.

The Cuban limia (Limia vittata) is a livebearing toothcarp from Cuba. Aquarium retailers describe it as an active, peaceful group fish for medium-hard to hard water. Garnelio recommends an aquarium of about 60 cm and 54 litres or more, with at least six fish. Provide planted edges and open swimming space. Field measurements and aquarium-care recommendations differ, so this guide distinguishes aquarium advice from natural-water records instead of treating them as one identical range. The species is also called banded limia. Confirm the scientific name when buying, since other striped Limia species can look similar.

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At a glance

Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
7.0–8.5
GH
12–18 °dGH
Aquarium length
At least 60 cm
Minimum aquarium volume
At least 54 L
Adult size
Up to 10 cm
Group size
At least 6 individuals
Temperament
Peaceful

About this species

Limia vittata (Guichenot, 1853) belongs to the family Poeciliidae. Older literature uses names including Limia cubensis and Poecilia vittata; GBIF lists these as taxonomic synonyms. Females can grow larger than males; FishBase reports up to 10 cm TL for females and 8 cm TL for males/unsexed fish.

Natural habitat

The species is endemic to Cuba. FishBase records it from fresh and brackish waters and gives field values that do not fully match aquarium recommendations. For aquarium care, stable mineral-rich water and adequate planting are practical guidance; local field measurements are not direct husbandry instructions.

Aquarium and layout

Garnelio recommends about 54 litres and roughly 60 cm length for a group of six or more. Plant densely along the sides and back while keeping an open swimming area. The species can reproduce, so plan for a growing population and ensure filtration and maintenance can keep up.

Water conditions

For aquarium care, Garnelio gives 22–28°C, pH 7.0–8.5 and GH 12–18 dGH. FishBase reports field data including 18–24°C and higher hardness. These figures describe different contexts and should not be presented as one confirmed optimum. Keep aquarium water stable and mineral-rich and avoid abrupt changes.

Behaviour and group size

Cuban limia are generally peaceful, although males can be territorial and court females persistently. A group, refuges and open swimming space help distribute activity. Very small shrimp and newborn fry may be eaten. No specific tankmate pairings have been added as verified relationships.

Feeding

This is an omnivore. Offer complete flake or granules, varied with suitable live or frozen foods and plant/algae matter. Feed portions that are eaten promptly and check that less assertive fish get access. Algae food is a supplement, not a complete staple.

Breeding

This livebearer is described by the aquarium source as easy to breed. Dense plants provide cover for females and young. Not all fry will survive in a community aquarium; deliberate rearing needs a suitable separate setup and appropriately fine foods. We do not give a fixed brood size or gestation time without adequate species-specific evidence.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .

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