While there is great diversity in livebearers, there are common elements to their care. This page provides general information about caring for livebearers. It is always wise to understand the natural history of a particular fish and to know its environmental parameters (temperature, pH, hardness, etc.). Livebearers eating habits fall into two basic categories: grazing and gorging. Each of these topics are covered below.
If a particular fish we offer has unusual care requirements, we have provided a FAQ and a link from that fish’s page.
Temperature
Livebearers for the most part require temperatures between 20°-30°C (68°-86°F). We have always found higher temperatures to be better provided adequate aeration is provided.
pH
In general livebearers are all very tolerant of pH levels.
Hardness
Unless you are using incredibly soft water or rainwater, it’s not necessary to alter water hardness for livebearers.
Feeding
Livebearers are generally easy to feed. Most readily learn to accept prepared, commercial foods. Livebearer fall into two feeding categories: grazers and gorgers. They are very few gorgers in the livebearer world. Rather than replicate information that’s been provided in a FAQ, here is a link to how much to feed, how to introduce new foods, and a feeding chart that together cover feeding issues.