Pecilia fish, the reproduction of which, as a rule, occurs without unnecessary trouble, is considered a fairly frequent inhabitant of modern living corners. It is often found not only in huge office aquariums, but also in ordinary home, medium or even very modest sizes.
In general, it should be noted that pecilia is a fish whose contents will not become problematic even for beginners in the world of aquariums.
This article will talk about it in sufficient detail. The reader will get acquainted with all the necessary information related to habitats, feeding patterns and the appearance of such an interesting inhabitant of the underwater world as Pecilia. Home breeding and breeding will also be affected in separate sections. Having familiarized with all the facts provided, anyone can get such a fish as a pet without undue fear.
Section 1. General information and living conditions in nature
Pecilia is a fish that is a very popular resident of modern aquariums. Why? Most likely, due to its unpretentiousness, easy breeding, beauty, varied color.
However, not everyone knows that its natural habitat is North and Central America. It is especially common in Veracruz in Mexico. In addition, you can meet in California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, Texas, Hawaii, but it was brought here artificially.
Section 2. Appearance of fish
Pecilia, the content of which is not only simple, but also quite interesting and informative, is a rather small fish, its length rarely exceeds 3.5-5 cm, and the average life expectancy is within 3-4 years.
Its appearance, as well as its color, is difficult to describe because of the great variety of options. We can say with confidence that the female Pecilia is not as bright and motley as the male.
Scientists distinguish many varieties. For example, one cannot but mention discilia. She has an unusual very curved spine and a special body shape. But the Red Pecilia is much more mobile than other species.
Section 3. Sexual differences of fish
Sexual differences in these fish are more than bright. Females are visually larger, have not such a bright color, wider anal fin. In addition, they have a fuller and rounded abdomen.
In males, the anal fin is small and pointed at the end; the body color is beautiful and very bright. They are usually considered a real decoration of modern aquariums.
Section 4. Prerequisites for breeding fish
Pecilia is easy to breed, since no special conditions are required for this. By the way, many aquarists even laugh, saying that it is much more difficult to stop the reproduction of these fish then than to start it. And it really is.
So, did you get Pecilia? Reproduction of these inhabitants of the underwater world does not take long to wait. In order for females to become pregnant normally and regularly, one male is enough for 3 females. Such an amount is optimal, as it significantly reduces the competition of males and at the same time gives females the opportunity to take a break from them for a while.
Pecilia are viviparous fish, that is, they carry eggs inside the body and an immediately formed fry is born that can swim. The pregnancy of a female is easily determined by the rounded abdomen, as well as a dark spot near the anal fin. A female can give birth without problems every 28 days, while the average number of fry is 20-40 pieces.
As a rule, the birth of Pecilia is simple. Although it is still desirable to plant a pregnant female in a separate aquarium and add more plants there. At this time, the expectant mother does not need to be disturbed once again, so it is recommended to cover the front glass with paper.
Section 5. Baby Care
It is important to consider that Pecilia eats its fry, so in order to survive, you should plant a lot of plants or immediately plant them in a separate container.
Further care for the fry is quite simple, because it is born large and fully formed. You can feed them with egg yolk, special ground feed, or plain dry. With abundant feeding and clean water, after 3 months, the newborn Pecilia themselves will become sexually mature.
Section 6. How to feed
In nature, pecilia, the reproduction of which occurs regularly and without any special problems, mainly feeds on insects and algae. But in the aquarium, they with great pleasure eat almost any kind of feed.
It is very important to include in their diet specialized feeding with fiber, for example, cereal with plant components or vegetables such as cucumbers, zucchini, spinach. Such plant foods contribute to the better functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. But animal feeds can be anything, for example, bloodworms, tubule, artemia, corvetre are well suited.
Section 7. Difficulties in maintenance and care
Pecilia, the content of which does not require special skills, is great for both beginner aquarists and professionals.
Like almost all live-bearing fish, Pecilia is unpretentious and easy-going. They can be kept in small aquariums, from 40-50 liters. Of course, it is better that the volume is large. Between themselves, Pecilia do not show aggressiveness (as, for example, swordsmen), and they can be kept with a slight predominance of females.
As for the parameters of water, here they are also not too whimsical. The ideal option is water of medium hardness (15-30 dGH), acidity is desirable in the range of 7.0-8.3, and the optimum water temperature is 22-25C. The main thing is that the water is clean and fresh, the best option is to partially top up a certain part of the water every week, as a rule, at least 20%.
Filtration and aeration, of course, is desirable, but if the aquarium is not crowded, it is quite possible to neglect it.
Section 8. Conditions for compatibility with other aquarium inhabitants
Another plus of the pecilli is that they coexist perfectly in a common aquarium, do not touch any other fish at all.
But you need to consider that for predators they themselves can become easy prey. That is why it is best to place Pecilia with other viviparous, for example, with mollies or swordsmen.