Twospot Livebearer

The twospot livebearer is a large livebearer formerly placed in the genus Heterandria and now known as Pseudoxiphophorus. It is olive-brown, thick-bodied and wide-mouthed; of the dark spots that give it its name, the most distinct is on the tail base. Males stay at 5–7 cm, while females can exceed 12 cm. Although plain in appearance, its behavior is very different from that of guppies or platies: it hunts fish that fit in its mouth.

• At least 150 liters and a 100 cm tank length for a small group.
• 24–27°C, pH 7–8, moderate hardness; it is hardy and adapts to a wide range of values.
• Visual barriers made of dense plants, roots and stones; hiding places where females can escape the males.
• A tight lid is recommended; strong filtration and a 25–30% water change weekly.

Mainly carnivorous. Granules, frozen bloodworms, mysis, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae are readily accepted. It hunts fish, fry and shrimp that fit in its mouth.

It can be rough with its own kind and other fish; females are also aggressive toward males and fry. Fin nipping is common. It should only be kept with hardy species of its own size.

Good companions: large, fast Central American livebearers, robust fish of its own size, large plecos.

Avoid: guppies, Endler's livebearers, small tetras and rasboras, shrimp, long-finned species.