Knife Livebearer

The knife livebearer takes its name from the sharp, knife-edge-like row of scales running along the lower edge of the tail base. Its body is long, semi-transparent and golden-olive, with a bluish sheen behind the gill cover. Females reach 8–9 cm, males 6–7 cm. In the wild it lives in groups in fast-flowing streams, so in the aquarium it should also be kept as a school in flowing water.

• At least 100 liters and a 100 cm tank length for a group of 6–10.
• 24–27°C, pH 7–8, soft to moderately hard water; oxygen is very important.
• Moderate flow, plenty of open swimming space in the middle, plants and stones along the edges.
• A tight lid is essential; it jumps when startled.

Omnivorous but fond of meaty food. Flakes and granules, frozen or live mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and fruit flies. It takes food mostly from midwater and the surface.

Peaceful but skittish; it swims more comfortably in a large group. It may crash into the glass when startled by sudden movements. Males have brief chases among themselves.

Good companions: peaceful fish that like current: danios, rainbowfish, rasboras, corydoras.

Avoid: large and aggressive species, fish that need still, warm water, fin nippers.