Once more we are able to offer a beautiful dwarf livebearer that proofed to be a bit problematical in respect of breeding – not keeping! – in a long time sight under traditional aquarium conditions. However, under the open skies of Southeast Asia they breed pretty well.
Flexipenis vittatus is also often placed in Gambusia. Males become 2.5 – 4.5 cm, females 4 – 6 cm long. In nature, this livebearer inhabits Mexico (Atlantic slope).
In contrast to Gambusia Flexipenis has a highly developed courtship display, meanwhile the males present their pretty yellow-black dorsal fins in a very attractive way. It is wise not to keep these fishes year-in year-out at too high water temperatures. In living rooms no extra aquarium heater is necessary. Temperatures may lie between 18 and 26°C.
For our customers: the fish have code 415073 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Gambusia: derived from the Cuban term “Gambusino” for something unimportant. Flexipenis: means “with pliant sexual organ”. vittatus: Latin, means “Striped”.
Suggestion of a common name: Small flag livebearer, Blackline mosquitofish
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
