17 species of pecilia, shape, color, maintenance

If you’re getting started with aquarium fish, you’ve undoubtedly encountered the colorful and active Pecilia family. Pecilia fish, distinguished by their striking hues and distinctive forms, are an excellent complement to any aquarium. This article will examine 17 distinct Pecilia species, giving you an idea of their varied appearances and maintenance requirements.

Pecilia species are characterized by a variety of exquisite forms, ranging from delicate fins to bold and striking colors. Every species adds a unique charm to your tank, whether you’re more drawn to the soft pastel colors or the vivid oranges and reds. We’ll go into these fish’s specifics to help you determine which ones would be the best choices for your aquarium.

Although maintaining Pecilia fish is quite simple, each species has different needs and preferences. We’ll go over the essentials for these fish to survive, such as diet, social behavior, and tank conditions. You can guarantee a thriving and healthy aquatic environment by being aware of their needs.

Homeland

The primary habitat of pecilia is a portion of Central and Southern North America.

They are abundant in freshwater reservoirs there, but they also make happy homes in the lower reaches of rivers that empty into the Atlantic.

Fish adore muddy bottoms and thick vegetation. The Yucatan Peninsula is home to the most exquisite varieties.

Description and characteristics

A photograph of a wild pecilia will not show you anything particularly ornamental. The fish’s natural coloring is rather subdued, with scattered brown spots covering a pale yellow body.

We should give thanks to the breeders who put a lot of effort into the appearance of pecilia because of their versatility and vibrant coloration.

The fish’s body length ranges from 3 to 12 cm. Every animal is viviparous.

Despite their stark differences in color, they all behave and are cared for similarly. 3–5 years of living pecilia variatus.

Types of pecilia

There are currently 130 subspecies of pecilia thanks to the hard work of breeders who have developed new varieties.

Of the fans of this fish, 17 are the most well-liked. Let’s examine these breathtaking beauties in more detail.

White pecilia

Since the offspring do not inherit the parents’ phenotype during the breeding process, white pecilia are rarely found for sale.

The inactivation of genes responsible for skin pigmentation is linked to the absence of color. The fish’s color is not just white; it is nearly transparent, allowing the internal organs to be seen through its scales.

While blue or neon pecilia are not as scarce as white ones, they are also difficult to find.

The fish’s scales have a pleasing blue color and glimmer from neon light, adding to its ornamental appeal.

High-finned

This species was created by mating a flag swordtail with a common pecilia.

The fish’s prominent dorsal fin is its most distinguishing characteristic. There might be different color variations.

Hawaiian

In 1962, Hawaiian pecilia were bred. The fish’s tail is always red, but its body can be either black or yellow. The fins may be transparent or yellow in color.

Balloon

In contrast to other family members’ slender forms, the balloon resembles a ball with a head and a tail.

The fish’s odd shape is made up for by the multitude of color options, despite its strange and even ugly appearance.

Fascinating! The spine of balloon fry is straight when they are born, but as they get bigger, it curves, giving the fish a rounded shape. To make the balloon swim more naturally, you should surround it with sedentary neighbors.

Radish

Produced during the 1970s of this century. There are other colors besides the traditional red body and black tail. A diamond-shaped tail is one of the appearance’s standout features.

Black

Unlike mollies, the pecilia do not have a completely black color. Its black color is accentuated by orange, red, and a variety of pale tail and fin tones.

Three-color

The pecilia’s trichromatic coloring is comprised of multiple pairings: blue with yellow-green and black with yellow and orange.

There are no boundaries and the distribution of colors is random. The fish is seven centimeters long.

Crucial! It adores dense plant thickets where it can hide from predators and take a seat to think.

Sail velifera

A kind of pecilia with long fins that proudly flap their fins over their backs like a broad sail.

There are multiple shades of the body color to choose from: yellow, chocolate, and silver. a fish that is extremely active, but if it sinks, it indicates that the pet has health issues.

Spotted

The spotted species is fairly close to the wild pecilia’s size and color range.

But because of the efforts of the breeders, its body now has an orange tint with fanciful dark spots scattered over it. prefers a large aquarium with plenty of room for play.

Fascinating! The bright orange body of the Riga platy has dark spots of varying sizes, resembling a spotted pattern.

Disc

The species’ disc-shaped body is its most distinctive characteristic. The fish is only 3 cm long, and the females are considerably bigger than the males.

The primary color of the body is red, and the fins can be painted in red or black tones. Like the balloon, disc platy has a straight spine from birth.

Branner platy and micro platy have the same measurements. Their colors vary and they swim in schools.

Yellow

A sizable representative of the genus is the yellow platy. Individuals can have a maximum body length of 10 cm.

The scarlet fins beautifully dilute the sunny shades of the main color.

Neon

The neon or rainbow variety lives a life of education. Blue or blue tones predominate in the body color.

The fins are darkly colored. The glow of the scales at various lighting angles is the manifestation of the neon effect.

Black-tailed

Numerous specific pecilia varieties are descended from the black-tailed species. The fish has a length of 12 cm in its body. It has traditional colors, with black fins and a red body.

The depth and richness of both hues set them apart. In order to preserve the amazing hue, the fish is only given live food.

Mickey Mouse

After breeding a fish with an odd coloring, breeders named it Mickey Mouse after what they had produced.

Indeed, as we get closer to the tail, the well-known cartoon character’s muzzle—which consists of one large and two small black spots—becomes more visible.

The body’s primary tone shifts from gold to blue.

Sunset

It is uncommon to find sunset, or calico pecilia, in pet stores. A fish with a unique pattern where the yellow tone gradually transitions into red.

The reddish-yellow fins’ black border and dark spots on the sides identify the calico print. Generally speaking, males have brighter colors than females.

Tuxedo

Tuxedo has a noble coloring, with the deep blue of the sides flowing into the silver of the belly and back in a harmonious pattern. These fish are large, reaching up to 10 cm in length.

Red

A fish with all of its color painted in the dominant hue is called a real red pecilia.

The fins may occasionally be transparent. A distinct species is represented by individuals with black fins and a red body.

This is fascinating! Scientists were able to obtain red swordtails, which are naturally green in color, by selecting red pecilia.

Explore the fascinating world of pecilia, a varied group of aquarium fish distinguished by their striking hues and unusual forms. This article will examine 17 different species, going over each one’s unique appearance, maintenance needs, and methods for keeping them healthy in your aquarium. Knowing these species will help you create a beautiful and well-kept aquatic environment, regardless of experience level.

Differences between pecilia and mollies

Mollies are not as colorful as pecilia, even though their forms are similar. The only body colors the former can claim are black, gold, and white.

Furthermore, if you examine closely, you can see that mollies’ anus is situated farther from the tail fin than platies’ is. Additionally, there are behavioral variations: pecilia are considerably friendlier.

Compatibility

With tetras, rainbowfish, cardinals, neons, gouramis, and catfish, they will quickly become friends. However, Pecilia’s ideal neighbors will be close relatives:

• swordtails;
• mollies;
• guppy.

Keeping peaceful, helpless pecilia alongside large predators and other aggressive species like barbs, cichlids, cockerels, and astrotus is not advised.

Set the fish in schools if you wish to give pecilia the proper upkeep and care.

They can only live in harmony, feel protected, and actively develop when surrounded by other individuals of their kind. The most important thing is to give pets a cozy space.

Maintenance parameters

A water habitat for pecilia should be set up with a temperature maintained between 20 and 25 °C. Water has a pH of 7.5-8 and a hardness of 8–25 dH.

Pure water is essential; ammonia and nitrite concentrations should both be zero and no more than twenty. As a result, a filtration system is essential.

It is ideal to replace the water once a week, using one-third of the total volume. Moderate light and aeration are ideal.

Aquarium arrangement

For platies that live a schooling lifestyle, a roomy tank is required. You will need at least 60 liters for 5–6 fish.

Dark-toned river sand or small pebbles work well as soil.

Although it is arranged along the aquarium’s back wall, the vegetation is dense. It is necessary to give Pecilia plenty of room to swim. A great green space will include:

Driftwood or large round stones work well as decorations.

Feeding

Regular food (rotifers, daphnia, tubifex, and bloodworms) is fed to pecilia in addition to plant food.

Feeding schedule: twice daily. The amount ought to be such that the fish can finish it all in ten minutes.

Take note! Pets are given a fasting day once a week to promote better health and prevent obesity.

Reproduction

The owner must give special attention to the fry in order to reproduce pecilia.

Viviparous fish can give birth on their own, but the onus of caring for and feeding the young rests with the pet owner.

Differences between a male and a female

It is simple to tell a female from a male in a school of pets. She is colored paler, but she is noticeably larger and has a rounder body.

Her anal fin is bigger, and in the male it serves as both the fin and the gonopodium.

Spawning

Create a tiny spawning tank for the pecilia if you’d like to observe the birthing process. Add three females and one male to it.

The male will eventually fertilize each and every one of them. The fry will form in the mother’s abdomen over the course of 28 days.

The females can be kept in the spawning tank while the male is removed. The rounding of the abdomen and the development of a dark patch close to the anal fin indicate a successful pregnancy in the female.

The spawning tank should be covered with fabric closer to birth in order to give the fish a peaceful environment. The fry are physically formed at birth and prepared for self-sufficient swimming.

Fry

The mother is taken out once the fry are born. The young are fed chopped daphnia and boiled yolk during the early stages of development.

They are switched to adult food after 1.5–2 weeks. As long as they receive the required pond maintenance, keep them in a spawning tank until they are three months old.

Species	Shape	Color	Maintenance
1. Sailfin Molly	Elongated, finned	Black, orange, white	Easy, prefers warm water
2. Balloon Molly	Round, short body	Various, often bright	Easy, thrives in groups
3. Black Molly	Streamlined	Solid black	Easy, adaptable
4. Dalmatian Molly	Streamlined	White with black spots	Easy, enjoys swimming space
5. White Molly	Streamlined	All white	Easy, peaceful
6. Marble Molly	Streamlined	Marbled mix of colors	Easy, prefers larger tanks
7. Lyretail Molly	Streamlined, flowing fins	Varied colors	Easy, needs plenty of swimming space
8. Gold Dust Molly	Streamlined	Gold with specks	Easy, enjoys warm water
9. Red Molly	Streamlined	Bright red	Easy, hardy fish
10. Silver Molly	Streamlined	Shiny silver	Easy, peaceful community fish
11. Balloon Black Molly	Round, short body	Black	Easy, prefers groups
12. Black Sailfin Molly	Elongated, finned	Black	Easy, good for community tanks
13. Golden Lyretail Molly	Streamlined, flowing fins	Gold	Easy, enjoys space
14. Neon Molly	Streamlined	Bright neon colors	Easy, likes warm water
15. Blue Molly	Streamlined	Blue hues	Easy, thrives in groups
16. Green Molly	Streamlined	Green	Easy, enjoys warm, clean water
17. Spotted Molly	Streamlined	Various colors with spots	Easy, needs space to swim

Discovering the varied world of pecilia species makes it clear how fascinating and unique these fish can be in aquariums. With their distinct shapes and vivid colors, every species adds a certain allure and personality to your aquarium. There is a pecilia that can blend in flawlessly with any aquatic environment, whether you are drawn to the beautiful patterns of the swordtail or the shimmering scales of the guppy.

These fish are a great option for both novice and experienced aquarists because they are relatively easy to maintain. Provided that the water is kept clean and the pecilia species are given a balanced diet, they can flourish and bring vibrant, colorful movement to your aquarium. Because of their adaptability and laid-back personality, they frequently get along well with other fish, fostering a peaceful aquatic environment.

In conclusion, aquarium enthusiasts can enjoy a great variety of pecilia species. Their gorgeous look and low maintenance needs make them a well-liked option. These fish can add some color and life to your underwater environment, whether you’re setting up a new tank or trying to mix things up in your current setup.

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Pecilia. BRIEFLY ABOUT THE CONTENT

Pecilia. MAINTENANCE, CARE, FEEDING, COMPATIBILITY