Livebearer Care Guides
Livebearers give birth to free-swimming young, so a small group can become a large population quickly. They like harder, alkaline water than many tropical fish and do well with plants and hiding spots for fry. Keep the sex ratio in mind: several females per male reduces constant chasing.
Quick rules of thumb
- Keep more females than males.
- Choose harder water over very soft water.
- Plan what you will do with extra fry.
Livebearer guides
- Endler's LivebearerPoecilia wingei1 in (male) to 1.8 in (female) · 10+ gal
- GuppyPoecilia reticulata1.5 in (male) to 2.5 in (female) · 10+ gal
- LimiaPoecilia species2.5 in · 20+ gal
- MollyPoecilia sphenops4 in · 20+ gal
- PlatyXiphophorus maculatus2.5 in · 15+ gal
- SwordtailXiphophorus hellerii4-5 in · 29+ gal
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
Pet Zone Convoy
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
Pet Zone Mid-City
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi