Humpbacked limia
| Humpbacked limia | |
|---|---|
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| A female (left) and a male (right) | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family: | Poeciliidae |
| Genus: | Limia |
| Species: | L. nigrofasciata
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| Binomial name | |
| Limia nigrofasciata Regan, 1913
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| Synonyms[2] | |
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The humpbacked limia or black-barred limia (Limia nigrofasciata) is a critically endangered freshwater species of ray-finned fish in the family Poecilidae. It is endemic to Haiti, occurring in a single lake. It can be found in the aquarium trade and has been successfully bred in captivity.
Description
[edit]The humpbacked limia grows to 5.2 cm (2.0 in) in standard length.[2] Both males and females are colorful, with translucent and glittery bodies[3] featuring dark vertical bars (from which the specific epithet nigrofasciata and one of the common names are derived).[4] The males also have an enlarged dorsal fin with purple flecks.[3] As they mature, the males become distinctly humpbacked (hence the other common name)[3] and their golden base color intensifies.[4]
Ecology
[edit]Habitat
[edit]The humpbacked limia exclusively inhabits Lake Miragoâne of Haiti, and is not particular about the type of substrate.[5] In habitats characterized by submerged aquatic vegetation and muddy bottoms, Limia nigrofasciata is found alongside congeners L. islai, L. garnieri, L. miragoanensis, and L. immaculata; fellow poeciliid Gambusia beebei; and the cichlids Nandopsis haitiensis, Oreochromis aureus, and Tilapia rendali (the latter two being introduced species).[6]
Schooling behavior
[edit]The humpbacked limia is notably social[3] and usually forms large schools.[5]
Diet
[edit]Gut analyses of wild specimens point to this species feeding exclusively on detritus and algae, taking no animal food items.[7]
Reproduction
[edit]In contrast to its sister species, L. islai (which is often confused with this species), the reproductive behavior of the humpbacked limia features an elaborate courtship display by the males, which try to attract the females by presenting a large, ornamented dorsal fin, wagging their tail, and performing lateral displays.[6] Females give birth to 15–30 live young, which are relatively large, with a length of up to 13 mm (0.51 in). The fry hide in vegetation.[5]
Human interactions
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Along with L. melanogaster, this species was a popular livebearer in the aquarium trade in the early 1960s; it has since been eclipsed by the fancy varieties of Xiphophorus and Poecilia species.[3][4]
In aquaria, the species is sensitive to water changes; this is especially true for mature males. Hence, a constant temperature of 24–26 °C (75–79 °F) with good circulation and aeration is required. Males fight over territory, while females are usually not aggressive. Adults may prey upon the fry,[5] so it is advisable to move the adults to a separate tank immediately after females give birth.
Conservation status
[edit]
The humpbacked limia is critically endangered. Lake Miragoâne, to which it is endemic, is affected by severe deforestation of the surrounding land, water pollution, and climate change. Currently, no species-specific measures are taken to protect the humpbacked limia, and Haiti's forestry laws are lax and essentially non-enforced. Therefore, it may be extirpated without site protection and ex-situ conservation.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Lyons, T.J. (2021). "Limia nigrofasciata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021 e.T125980226A125986608. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T125980226A125986608.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ a b Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Limia nigrifasciatus". FishBase. August 2019 version.
- ^ a b c d e Monks, Neal. "7 Forgotten Livebearers". Tropical Fish Hobbyist. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
- ^ a b c "Limia nigrofasciata". Chicago Livebearer Society. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
- ^ a b c d Franz, R.; Rivas, L.R. (1983). David S. Lee; S. P. Platania; G. H. Burgess (eds.). Atlas of North American Freshwater Fishes (PDF). North Carolina Museum of Natural History. pp. 36, 37.
- ^ a b Rodríguez-Silva, Rodet; Weaver, Pablo (25 February 2020). "A new livebearing fish of the genus Limia (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) from Lake Miragoane, Haiti". Journal of Fish Biology. 96 (6): 1360–1369. Bibcode:2020JFBio..96.1360R. doi:10.1111/jfb.14301. PMID 32112652. S2CID 211563660. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
- ^ Rodriguez-Silva, Rodet; Spikes, Montrai; Iturriaga, Manuel; Bennett, Kerri-Ann; Josaphat, James; Torres-Pineda, Patricia; Bräger, Stefan; Schlupp, Ingo (11 October 2021). "Feeding strategies and diet variation in livebearing fishes of the genus Limia (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) in the Greater Antilles". Ecology of Freshwater Fish. 31 (2): 389–400. doi:10.1111/eff.12638. S2CID 244612970. Retrieved 22 September 2023.