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Cuban Rivulus
Rivulus cylindraceus
📍 Central America
The Cuban Rivulus is a small, hardy killifish native to Cuba, known for its ability to survive in low-oxygen environments and even breathe air. This peaceful fish is popular among beginners due to its resilience and adaptability to various water conditions. Males display beautiful coloration and fin extensions, making them attractive additions to small aquariums.
Care Guide
Diet
Cuban Rivulus are omnivorous and accept a variety of foods including small live foods such as daphnia, mosquito larvae, and brine shrimp, as well as frozen alternatives and quality flake foods. Feed small portions once or twice daily, adjusting quantity based on fish size and tank bioload. They are opportunistic feeders and will also consume small algae and plant matter.
Behavior
Cuban Rivulus are peaceful, solitary fish that spend time at all water levels, though they prefer areas with vegetation and cover. They are relatively inactive compared to other killifish and are known for their ability to gulp air at the water surface, especially in low-oxygen conditions. Males may display territorial behavior toward each other, so they are best kept individually or in heavily planted tanks.
Breeding
Cuban Rivulus are relatively easy to breed and can reproduce through both sexual reproduction and parthenogenesis (asexual reproduction in some populations). Breeding occurs in shallow water with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops; eggs hatch in 10-14 days at 22-24°C. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially before graduating to larger foods.
Tank Mates
Similar size and peaceful temperament make them ideal companions
Small, peaceful livebearers that occupy similar ecological niches
Small schooling fish that won't compete aggressively for resources
Peaceful bottom dweller that helps control algae without competing
Larger shrimp that won't be preyed upon; excellent algae control
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces
Increase temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F), use aquarium salt at 1 teaspoon per gallon, or apply ich-specific medication; maintain good water quality and perform frequent water changes
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality through frequent water changes, remove any sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe, and ensure adequate nutrition
Fungal Infections
White or gray fuzzy growth on body or fins, loss of appetite, isolation
Increase water temperature slightly, perform frequent water changes, use antifungal medication, and improve tank conditions to reduce stress
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior, eye cloudiness
Increase temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F), reduce light exposure, use copper-based medication or salt treatment, and maintain excellent water quality
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - small live foods, frozen foods, and quality flake foods
- lifespan
- 4-8 years
- max size
- 5.5 cm (2.2 in)
- tank size
- 5 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-8.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 5-15 dGH
- temperature
- 68–77°F (20–25°C)