Humpbacked Limia (Limia nigrofasciata)

Humpbacked Limia (Limia nigrofasciata), also known as the Black-barred Limia, is a distinctive Haitian livebearer with bold vertical barring and mature males that develop the raised back which gives the fish its common name. The old imported code text has been removed from the customer-facing name because it is not part of the accepted common or scientific name.

SKU 6311 is the 3-4 cm Humpbacked Limia form.

Quick Facts

Natural Habitat and Conservation

FishBase and IUCN-linked data list Limia nigrofasciata as Critically Endangered and harmless to humans. The species is endemic to Haiti, with modern accounts centring it on Lake Miragoane. Seriously Fish notes shallow, heavily vegetated water and large shoals, including brackish influence in some locations. That tells us to keep it in clean, stable, planted water with social company rather than as a single show fish.

This conservation status does not make the fish difficult by itself, but it does mean the page should be accurate. The best aquarium approach is steady water, a planted layout, careful acclimation and responsible breeding or group keeping when possible.

Aquarium Setup

Use a mature aquarium with hard, alkaline water, good filtration and a calm planted layout. Humpbacked Limias enjoy open swimming room, but they also graze and shelter around plants, wood and algae-covered surfaces. Floating plants or tall stems help fry and nervous females avoid constant attention from males.

A group is better than a pair. If you keep mixed sexes, provide several females per male where possible, because males display and compete. A 75 litre aquarium is a sensible starting point; a larger tank gives them room to shoal and reduces pressure during courtship.

Water Conditions

Keep the water stable around 22-26 C, pH 7.0-8.5 and 10-25 dGH. They are livebearers that appreciate minerals and steady oxygen, so avoid soft acidic water crashes and sudden changes. Regular water changes are useful, but make them consistent rather than dramatic.

Feeding

Feed as a hard-water omnivore with a strong vegetable side. Good flake, algae-based foods, fine granules and grazing surfaces can be the staple, supported with daphnia, brine shrimp, cyclops and other small frozen foods. Avoid making the diet all rich meaty food; vegetable matter helps condition and digestion.

Tank Mates

Suitable tank mates include peaceful hard-water livebearers, calm rainbowfish, small peaceful community fish and bottom dwellers that tolerate similar water. Avoid fin nippers, large predators, very soft-water species and aggressive fish that disrupt the group. Tiny newborn fry may be eaten unless dense plants are provided.

Breeding Notes

Like other livebearers, Limia nigrofasciata gives birth to live young. FishBase records 20-30 young, and vegetation gives fry a better chance. Males can be persistent, so group balance and cover matter. If you want to raise young deliberately, use dense plants or a separate rearing setup and feed fry tiny prepared foods and small live foods.

Who This Fish Suits

Humpbacked Limia suits aquarists who enjoy uncommon livebearers, planted hard-water aquariums and natural behaviour. It is a lovely choice when you want a fish with conservation interest, visible social behaviour and a different look from the usual guppy, platy or molly.

Delivery and Acclimation

When available, Humpbacked Limias are sent using our live animal courier process and covered by the Tropical Fish Co Live Arrival Guarantee. First-time customers can use WELCOME10 where eligible. After delivery, keep the lights low and acclimate slowly to avoid sudden changes in pH, hardness or temperature.

Sources Checked

• Our stock records for SKU 6311 and exact reference image.
• FishBase species summary for Limia nigrofasciata: accepted name, conservation status, harmless status and brood notes.
• Seriously Fish profile: shallow vegetated habitat, shoaling behaviour and aquarium context.
• Aquarium Glaser notes on Limia nigrofasciata and Lake Miragoane context.