Heterandria formosa, Agassiz, 1855.

Origin: USA, from North Carolina to Florida, in slow flowing and standing water.

Etymology: unk

Synonyms: None

First European import: Before 1914

Description: See picture

Care: Heterandria formosa can be kept in very small aquaria, but also in a normal community tank, provided it's co-inhabitants aren't too large. A densely planted tank with a dark soil, and placed in a sunny location provides a suitable surrounding. Temperature should be in the lower region, and regular waterchanges are required.

Temperature: 15-26 degrees

Feeding: All food they can master.

Size: Males 1.8, females up to 3.5 cm.

pH: 6.0-7.5

Breeding: Females will give birth to up to 40 fry, which are born in small groups at regular intervals(every 20-30 hours 1-3 fry). The small but active fry should be fed artemia nauplii in the beginning, although they will also immediately accept ground flake food.

Sexual dimorphism: Besides the gonopodium, females are much larger.

Prices: Unk

Additional:

Picture references:Picture 1: E. Naus

References:

Hoedeman, J. J.(1969): Aquariumvissen encyclopedie 5. Elsevier Nederland B. V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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