Black Chin Livebearer (Poeciliopsis prolifica) – Bred by Aquatic Arts

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The Black Chin Livebearer is a rare and fascinating species of livebearer fish, prized for its peaceful temperament and unique appearance. Its name comes from the distinctive dark patch under the jaw, which sets it apart from other livebearers. Hardy and active, these fish are perfect for planted aquariums and community tanks. We are proud to offer tank-bred specimens raised in-house at Aquatic Arts for stronger health and sustainability.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Distinctive dark chin marking for easy identification
• Peaceful, active schooling fish with great community compatibility
• Hardy and adaptable, excellent for beginner to advanced aquarists
• Livebearing species with fascinating breeding behavior

Natural Habitat:

The original Black Chin Livebearer (Poeciliopsis prolifica) was first documented in Central America, inhabiting clear streams and rivers with moderate flow and dense vegetation. This variety is tank-bred in captivity, maintaining the species’ unique traits while offering a sustainable alternative to wild collection.

Aquascaping:

• Plants: Vallisneria, Hornwort, Amazon Sword, Java Moss
• Hardscape: River rocks, driftwood, and sand or fine gravel substrate
• Botanicals: Indian Almond Leaves, alder cones, and Catappa bark for tannins and natural cover. Our Botanical Combo Pack has a great selection of curated Botanicals that these fish love!

Diet and Feeding:

Black Chin Livebearers are omnivores. They thrive on a high-quality staple diet of flake food or micro pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Offering vegetable matter like spirulina flakes or blanched spinach helps maintain their health and coloration.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

These livebearers are excellent community fish. They do well with peaceful species such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and dwarf shrimp (though very small shrimp fry may be consumed). Avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.

Shrimp Friendly (With Caution):

Black Chin Livebearers are generally peaceful and can coexist with adult dwarf shrimp in a well-planted tank. However, very small shrimp or shrimp fry may be eaten if they can fit in the fish’s mouth. Providing plenty of moss, plants, and hiding places will help shrimp colonies thrive alongside them.

Breeding:

As livebearers, Black Chin Livebearers give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs. They breed readily in aquariums, and females can store sperm to produce multiple broods from a single mating. A heavily planted tank provides safe hiding places for fry.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 72° - 82° F (22° - 28° C)
• pH: 7.0 - 8.0
• KH: 8 - 15 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous. Flake, pellet, frozen, and live foods.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful schooling fish, best kept in groups of 6 or more.
• Origin: Tank-bred by Aquatic Arts.
• Average Adult Size: 1.5 - 2 inches (3.8 - 5 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 0.75 - 1.25 inches (2 - 3 cm)

Bring home the Black Chin Livebearer for a rare, hardy, and lively addition to your community aquarium. Their unique markings and peaceful nature make them a standout species that thrives in planted tanks.

Live Arrival Guarantee:

All Aquatic Arts brand animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support!