Spottail Killifish
Heterandria bimaculata
Also known as: twospot livebearer
A bold Central American livebearer with attitude to match its size.
About
The spottail killifish (Heterandria bimaculata) is a bit of a misnomer in common usage. Despite the name, this species is actually a livebearer, not a true killifish, and it behaves accordingly. Native to a stretch of Central America running from Mexico down through Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, it inhabits slow-moving rivers, streams, and ditches where vegetation provides cover and hunting ground. Adults are noticeably larger than many livebearers hobbyists are used to, with females especially growing into substantial fish. The species takes its common name from the two dark spots typically visible on the body, one near the dorsal fin base and one at the caudal peduncle, though patterning can vary by individual and population. Males are smaller and slimmer than females, as is typical in the family. Temperamentally, this isn't a community fish for a peaceful nano setup. It can be pushy toward smaller tankmates and benefits from being kept with fish that can hold their own. A well-planted tank with some open water suits it well. Compared to beginner livebearers like mollies or platies, the spottail demands a bit more thought around tankmate selection and space, making it a rewarding step up for keepers ready to move beyond the basics.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Spottail Killifish
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Spottail Killifish get?
- The Spottail Killifish reaches about 1.5–2.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Spottail Killifish need?
- A minimum of 25 gallons is recommended for the Spottail Killifish.
- What water parameters does the Spottail Killifish need?
- The Spottail Killifish does best with a temperature of 64–82°F, a pH of 6.5–7.5, hardness around 5–15 dGH.
- Is the Spottail Killifish aggressive?
- The Spottail Killifish is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Spottail Killifish eat?
- The Spottail Killifish is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Spottail Killifish live?
- With good care, the Spottail Killifish typically lives 5-8 years.