Explore all livebearers in our database. Browse detailed care guides, compatibility information, and species data to find the perfect fish for your aquarium.
Poecilia latipinna hybrid
A selectively bred morphological variant characterized by a shortened spine and a rounded, balloon-like belly. Due to their altered anatomy, they are poorer swimmers than standard mollies and are prone to digestive and swim bladder issues. Like all mollies, they thrive in hard, alkaline water, appreciate algae in their diet, and are highly tolerant of brackish conditions.
Ameca splendens
A robust and highly active splitfin livebearer native to the Ameca River basin in Mexico, where it is considered critically endangered or extinct in the wild. They are notorious fin-nippers and can be very boisterous, making them unsuitable for peaceful community tanks. They thrive in hard, alkaline water and require a strong vegetable component (like algae) in their diet.
Nomorhamphus liemi
A fascinating surface-dwelling livebearer native to the fast-flowing freshwater streams of Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia. They possess an elongated lower jaw and are strict top-dwellers. Unlike many other halfbeak species in the trade, they are strictly freshwater and do not require salt. As predatory insectivores, they are known to eat fry. A tight-fitting lid is mandatory as they are exceptional jumpers.
Phalloceros caudimaculatus
A highly adaptable, sub-tropical livebearer native to South America. Known for its hardiness, it thrives in unheated aquariums and can tolerate mildly brackish water. Unlike many common livebearers, they are voracious algae grazers and may damage soft-leaved plants. Males relentlessly pursue females to mate, so keeping a ratio of at least 2-3 females per male is strongly advised.
Poecilia chica
The Dwarf Molly is a rare and peaceful livebearer native to Mexico. It is the smallest member of the True Mollies. They thrive in strictly freshwater environments without the need for added salt, provided the water is hard and alkaline. They are active, constantly grazing on algae, and should be kept in groups with a higher ratio of females to males to reduce reproductive harassment.
Poecilia wingei
A tiny, vibrant, and highly active livebearer closely related to the Guppy. Males display intense, neon colors and patterns, while females are larger and plainly colored. They are prolific breeders and require hard, alkaline water to thrive.
Poecilia reticulata
One of the most iconic and widely kept aquarium fish. Renowned for their incredible colors, hardiness, and prolific breeding. As livebearers, they give birth to fully formed, free-swimming fry. Males constantly pursue females for mating; therefore, a ratio of at least 2 females per male is strongly recommended to disperse stress.
Limia nigrofasciata
An active, hardy livebearer endemic to Lake Miragoane in Haiti. They are renowned for their striking sexual dimorphism and enthusiastic grazing on algae. Being from a specific rift-style lake, they strongly require hard, alkaline water to thrive and prevent disease.
Heterandria formosa
Despite its common name, the Least Killifish is actually one of the smallest livebearing fish in the world, belonging to the Poeciliidae family, not the killifish family. Native to the southeastern United States, they are incredibly peaceful and perfect for nano tanks. Unlike most livebearers, they exhibit 'superfoetation', meaning females drop 1-2 fry every few days rather than a large single brood.
Poecilia sphenops
Mollies are active, hardy livebearers native to the Americas. They are famous for their ability to adapt to fresh, brackish, and even full marine water. They are voracious eaters (including algae) and produce a high bioload for their size. Note: 'Molly' covers several species; the Short-finned (*P. sphenops*) and the much larger Sailfin (*P. latipinna* and *P. velifera*).
Gambusia affinis
An extremely hardy livebearer historically introduced worldwide for mosquito control. In the aquarium, they are notorious fin-nippers and highly aggressive towards other small fish. They are best kept in species-only setups or indoor/outdoor ponds. Males are significantly smaller than females.
Xiphophorus nezahualcoyotl
A beautiful and highly active livebearer endemic to the fast-flowing mountain streams of the Río Pánuco basin in Mexico. Known affectionately in the hobby as 'Nezzies', they prefer slightly cooler, highly oxygenated water with moderate to high flow compared to standard tropicals. As livebearers, they are prolific breeders. They are strong swimmers and known jumpers, requiring a secure lid.
Xiphophorus maculatus
A quintessential community fish known for its durability and massive variety of colors. Native to Central America, Platies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry. They are peaceful, active grazers that require hard, alkaline water to thrive. They are excellent for beginners but breed prolifically.
Xiphophorus hellerii
A popular, highly active livebearer known for the male's elongated lower tail fin (the 'sword'). They are hardy but require larger tanks than other common livebearers (like Guppies or Platies) due to their size and immense swimming energy. They require hard, alkaline water and do best with a ratio of one male to multiple females to disperse harassment.
Dermogenys pusilla
A unique, surface-dwelling livebearer known for its elongated, pike-like lower jaw. Males are famous for 'wrestling' by locking jaws to establish dominance. They are strictly top-dwellers and excellent jumpers, requiring a tight-fitting lid to prevent escapes and snout injuries. They prefer hard, alkaline water and thrive in both freshwater and slightly brackish conditions.
