Cyprinodonts

Cyprinodonts include all fish that give birth to live young. Most notable in the group, are guppies, platies, and mollies. Many come from slightly brackish water, and some can change sex spontaneously. Most have no brood care, and are very willing to eat their own young. It also includes all the killifish, or annual fish, who often only live long enough to mate.

Common Characteristics:
Food: Basic aquarium fare, also small live foods. Breeding: Livebearers: Normally put one male to every three or so females. Then wait. Once the females are very large, and have slowed down, scoop them into a carrier, and move them to a spawning tank, as many will become very stressed if not given space, and wait. Most Livebearers will eat their own young, so be careful. Killies: Fairly easy, just due to that is all they want to do. Care of the eggs is more complicated. Some must be kept dry for months before hatching can be allowed, while other hatch within two weeks. Water Parameters: Most prefer harder alkaline water. There are many who advocate adding salt to livebearer tanks. Killies can prefer soft or hard water, depending on the species. Temperament: Most are peaceful, though mollies have been known to be a bit aggressive. Most male will harass the females.
Origins:	Most are originally from Central America, with a few from Southern N. America. The guppy has spread worldwide.
A Few Exceptions:
Examples of Cyprinodonts:
Analeps analeps Gambusia affinis Xiphophorus heller Lucania goodei

Link to Cyprinodont Species Index

More Links
American Killifish Association
American Livebearer Association

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