Knife Livebearer (Alfaro cultratus)

Fish in the family Poeciliidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Knife Livebearer

Quick facts

Scientific nameAlfaro cultratus
FamilyPoeciliidae
Also known asKnifeedge Livebearer, Alfaro
Care levelModerate
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentPeaceful
DietOmnivore
Adult size3.5 in
Minimum tank size20 gallons
Water parametersTemp 72-82°F, pH 7.0-8.0, GH 10-25 dGH

Appearance

Slender, semi-transparent silvery livebearer named for the serrated keel of scales along the lower edge of the caudal peduncle (the 'knife edge').

Difficulty and care for the Knife Livebearer

Moderate

Origin and habitat

Central America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama)

Keeper notes

Peaceful and somewhat shy/skittish; can be startled into jumping. Keep with calm tankmates and a secure lid.

Log Knife Livebearer in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Knife Livebearer alongside everything else in your reef.