Tiger Teddy Livebearer (Neoheterandria elegans) – Tiny Planted-Tank Livebearer

Meet a tiny livebearer for a carefully managed aquarium

The Tiger Teddy Livebearer (Neoheterandria elegans) is a tiny freshwater poeciliid from the Rio Truando, a tributary of the Rio Atrato in Colombia. FishBase records maximum lengths of 2.0 cm total length for male or unsexed fish and 2.5 cm for females. This fish suits a keeper who can maintain exceptionally clean water, gentle filtration, dense planting and a quiet species-only colony.

Keep it at 24–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0 and 5–25 dGH. The temperature is the overlap between FishBase’s recorded 24–28°C environment and the 24–30°C aquarium range in the Seriously Fish species profile. The pH and hardness values follow that species profile. This combination gives a clear routine target without placing the fish at the hotter end of its aquarium range for extended periods.

Base the decision on its small scale

• Identity: a livebearing fish in the family Poeciliidae.
• Adult planning size: allow for females reaching 2.5 cm total length; FishBase records 2.0 cm for male or unsexed fish.
• Social plan: a small colony kept apart from the general community aquarium.
• Aquarium style: heavily planted, gently filtered and maintained with exceptionally clean water.
• Water target: 24–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0 and 5–25 dGH.

Its minute size does not make husbandry automatic. A small volume changes temperature and chemistry more quickly than a large aquarium, while tiny fish are easy to overlook during feeding and observation. Choose this animal when you enjoy close, regular observation and can keep its surroundings stable.

Decide whether your aquarium fits this specialist livebearer

A heavily planted species aquarium is the clearest match. Give it a gently filtered, heavily planted set-up: exceptionally clean water is a prerequisite, and its diminutive size makes it unsuitable for the general community aquarium. It is also described as shy and best kept alone in a small colony.

Position the aquarium on a flat, level support that can bear the filled weight indefinitely. Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat, draughts, loud noise, vibration and sudden movement. These placement choices reduce avoidable environmental variation before filtration and maintenance are considered.

Understand the animal supplied with each purchase

Each purchase supplies one Tiger Teddy Livebearer. The dispatch grade is 1.5 cm; this is the approximate supplied size, not the adult planning size. Allow for FishBase’s 2.5 cm female total-length record when planning the aquarium and remember that individual animals can differ in appearance and development.

Sex is guaranteed only when the selected option explicitly states male or female. This Tiger Teddy Livebearer listing has no sex-guaranteed option.

The gallery images are representative, based on reference photographs of this species, so colours can look slightly different from the live animal.

Make the purchase decision in the right order

1. Confirm that the aquarium is filtered, biologically mature and already holding 24–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0 and 5–25 dGH.
2. Plan a heavily planted species aquarium rather than a general community arrangement.
3. Allow more room than the 12-litre pair reference when keeping a small colony.
4. Prepare appropriately small foods before the fish arrives.
5. Check that weekly water changes of around 50% are practical for the aquarium.

If you are comparing this fish with other livebearing species, browse our livebearers collection. Treat those animals as alternatives to this species, not as companions for its colony.

Plan the aquarium around the adult size and social layout

FishBase records 2.0 cm total length for male or unsexed fish and 2.5 cm for females. Plan the aquarium, cover and colony to accommodate females reaching 2.5 cm total length rather than the 1.5 cm dispatch grade. Seriously Fish gives 25 mm standard length, measured without the tail; it is a different measurement and should not be treated as the same figure.

Use the pair-sized aquarium as a starting reference

A pair can be maintained over a 30 × 20 cm base in approximately 12 litres. This is a floor-area decision as well as a volume decision: the fish need planted cover, swimming routes and enough separation for shy individuals. The preferred arrangement is a small colony, and that requires larger quarters than the pair reference.

Do not calculate capacity by multiplying litres by the fish’s length. Plants, filter equipment, behaviour, water stability and the biological capacity of the mature filter all affect the sensible stocking level. Add animals slowly so the filter’s beneficial bacteria can respond to the increase in waste and feeding.

Choose stability before compactness

The 30 × 20 cm base and approximately 12-litre volume apply to a pair. Larger quarters are necessary for the preferred small-colony arrangement. Additional water volume also helps moderate changes in temperature and water chemistry, although it does not replace testing, filtration or water changes.

Choose the final aquarium before building the colony. Moving a settled colony because the pair-sized aquarium became crowded creates avoidable disruption. A larger planted footprint also gives females and shy fish more opportunities to move out of sight.

Hold temperature and chemistry within the species range

Keep the aquarium at 24–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0 and 5–25 dGH. FishBase records 24–28°C for the species’ environment, while Seriously Fish gives 24–30°C for aquarium care and warns against maintaining the upper extreme for extended periods. The 24–28°C routine range sits within both. Seriously Fish supplies the pH and hardness ranges and notes that this poeciliid tolerates softer water than many related fish.

Measure before making adjustments

Test the aquarium rather than estimating its chemistry from tap-water reputation or appearance. Our water chemistry guide explains what the common measurements mean, while the water matcher helps compare measured values with this fish’s stated range.

• Temperature: keep the normal reading between 24°C and 28°C.
• pH: maintain a stable value from 7.0 to 8.0.
• Hardness: keep general hardness from 5 to 25 dGH.
• Ammonia: maintain zero mg/l.
• Nitrite: maintain zero mg/l.

Respond to the pattern, not one isolated number

If temperature is drifting, check the heater and the aquarium’s position before repeatedly altering its setting. Keep the tank away from direct sunlight, heat sources and draughts. If pH changes between tests, examine maintenance, replacement water and waste accumulation before using products intended to force a rapid correction.

Match replacement water to the aquarium’s temperature and treat tap water to make it safe before adding it. Consistency matters because this small fish depends on the entire water volume remaining suitable; a sudden change affects every planted refuge and feeding area at once.

Work through measured results consistently

For example, a reading of 28°C is inside the routine range, but it is the upper boundary. Record it and check that it stays steady rather than changing the heater setting straight away. A pH result of 7.0 is also within range and does not need to be pushed towards the middle. These boundary examples prevent needless changes while keeping each value inside the stated limits.

Mature the filter before adding the fish

Use a well-established biological filter and confirm ammonia and nitrite are both zero before introducing the fish. The RSPCA explains that fish waste produces toxic ammonia, which filter bacteria convert first to toxic nitrite and then to safer nitrate. A filter therefore needs living bacterial capacity as well as water movement.

OATA’s freshwater aquarium sheet gives group guidance to dechlorinate the water, switch on the equipment, allow 24–48 hours for temperature and equipment checks, and mature the biological filter before livestock is added. Use test kits for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. Our first tropical tank guide sets out the preparation sequence.

Balance biological capacity with gentle movement

Seriously Fish recommends gentle filtration. At its approximately 12-litre pair reference, it gives a turnover of four to five times the aquarium volume per hour and a filter rating of about 50–60 litres per hour. For that pair-sized aquarium, choose a filter rated at about 50–60 litres per hour and keep the flow gentle.

Filter ratings describe nominal throughput, not the exact current experienced by a tiny fish after media, plants and maintenance are considered. Arrange the outlet so water circulates through the aquarium without removing every sheltered area. Check that plants are not trapping debris in places that cannot be cleaned and that the intake is operating normally.

Use test results as the readiness check

• Confirm the heater and filter operate consistently.
• Test until ammonia and nitrite read zero.
• Add livestock slowly rather than making a large stocking increase.
• Recheck water more frequently after fish are introduced or numbers increase.
• Inspect the filter for blockages during routine maintenance.

Separate equipment checks from biological readiness

A heater reaching the chosen temperature and a filter moving water show that the equipment runs; they do not by themselves show that the filter can process fish waste. Use the ammonia and nitrite results as the biological check. Both need to read zero before the Tiger Teddy Livebearer is introduced.

After introduction, compare test results with the zero baseline rather than waiting for visible distress. If either ammonia or nitrite appears, the filter is not keeping pace with the present waste load. Check its operation and restore suitable water quality before considering any increase in livestock or feeding.

Build dense cover without removing swimming space

Use a heavily planted aquarium with fine-leaved growth, dense cover and gentle filtration. This layout supports the species’ shy behaviour and helps reduce problems when females are sometimes aggressive. Fine foliage also carries micro-organisms that can become important to very small young.

Divide the aquarium into useful zones

Maintain heavy planting throughout the aquarium. Keep that cover in place from the start, because heavy planting can reduce the aggression females sometimes show, and that aggression can cause casualties.

Keep the planting heavy but leave viewing gaps so you can see whether every fish is swimming normally, maintaining condition and taking food. Rearrange growth without thinning the heavy planting if food repeatedly settles where the fish cannot reach it.

Check the whole system rather than focusing on the fish’s length. Plants occupy space but create important cover, and the filter must provide biological processing without turning the aquarium into a high-flow environment. Leave open swimming routes between planted areas so every fish can move away from another and reach food.

Feed foods small enough for every fish to take

Make appropriately small animal-based foods the centre of the menu. Seriously Fish describes Neoheterandria elegans as an unfussy omnivore and micro-predator that is particularly fond of small live or frozen Artemia and Daphnia. Finely crushed dry food is also accepted.

Match particle size to the fish

• Offer small live or frozen Artemia and Daphnia.
• Crush suitable dry food finely enough for the fish’s small mouth.
• Distribute food across more than one planted opening so shy fish have access.
• Watch each animal take food instead of judging the portion only by how quickly it disappears.
• Remove uneaten food before it contributes to waste and ammonia.

Use variety within those supported food types. A rotation between finely crushed dry food and suitably small live or frozen foods gives different textures while preserving the small particle size this fish can manage. Keep portions controlled because uneaten food adds to the biological load in a compact aquarium.

Read the feeding response

If food remains untouched, first check whether the particles are too large or whether the fish are staying behind cover. If one fish eats while another repeatedly misses food, spread the next portion between separated planted areas. A shy individual should not have to cross an exposed zone or approach an aggressive fish for every mouthful.

Newly produced fry are only about 2–3 mm long. Seriously Fish reports that they cannot manage microworms or freshly hatched Artemia during their first few days and initially require infusoria-type foods. Fine-leaved plants can support micro-organisms for young fish, but their presence does not replace observation of whether the fry are actually feeding.

Reduced feeding interest can also signal a health or water-quality problem. Test the water and compare the fish’s swimming, breathing, colour and body condition with its normal pattern before assuming it has simply become selective.

Change around half the water every week

Change around 50% of the aquarium water weekly. Exceptionally clean water is a prerequisite for this species, so these weekly changes of around 50% are required. This species-level instruction is more demanding than the smaller routine partial changes often used for general freshwater aquariums.

Prepare the replacement water

1. Measure the aquarium temperature before beginning.
2. Treat replacement tap water so it is safe for fish.
3. Bring the new water to the correct temperature.
4. Remove around half of the aquarium water while checking planted areas for trapped waste.
5. Refill without creating a strong current through the fish’s refuges.
6. Confirm the filter and heater resume normal operation.

Test water at least weekly and more frequently after introducing fish or increasing livestock. Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero. Monitor nitrate, pH and temperature as trends, because a change from the aquarium’s normal pattern can reveal a developing maintenance or equipment problem.

Use a repeatable checkpoint

Observe swimming, colour, breathing, body condition, feeding and changes in hiding or aggression. White spots, fluffy growths, damaged fins or scales, erratic swimming, unusual surface hanging, altered breathing and loss of appetite all justify an immediate water test. If you are concerned about a health change, contact us for guidance rather than adding a treatment before checking the aquarium conditions.

Prepare for arrival and monitor the first week

Have the mature, planted aquarium ready before the parcel arrives. Confirm 24–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0, ammonia at zero and nitrite at zero, and check that the filter is running gently. Use test kits for ammonia, nitrite and pH so each reading is measured rather than assumed. Prepare the small foods described above so feeding does not depend on crushing or sourcing a suitable food after the fish has arrived.

Follow the Tropical Fish Co delivery policy

1. Arrange for someone to receive the parcel because live fish cannot be left unattended.
2. Start filming every delivery while the parcel is still sealed and before opening it. Show the sealed parcel, open it in one continuous take and show the fish still inside the bag; keep this video for any Live Arrival Guarantee claim.
3. Open and inspect the parcel on the day it arrives.
4. Float the bag for 20–30 minutes before releasing the fish.
5. Release the fish without pouring the bag water into the aquarium.

Fish are hand-bagged in pure oxygen and packed in an insulated box, with a heat pack used when the weather calls for it. A licensed live-animal courier carries the parcel. Read the current delivery and Live Arrival Guarantee policy before the delivery date so the receipt and claim requirements are understood.

Use the first week to establish a baseline

• Swimming: learn where each fish normally rests, feeds and moves between cover.
• Feeding: confirm that every animal takes food small enough to swallow.
• Breathing: compare gill movement between fish and watch for persistent changes.
• Social behaviour: note repeated chasing, exclusion from food or an animal remaining hidden.
• Water: test more frequently than the normal weekly routine after livestock is added.

Do not increase the population quickly. The mature filter’s bacterial community must respond each time livestock and feeding increase. Keeping the first week focused on the new fish makes changes in behaviour, feeding or water quality easier to recognise.

At the first weekly maintenance point, complete the planned water tests and change around 50% of the water using conditioned, temperature-matched replacement water. Check filter flow and inspect the planted refuges while keeping the layout intact.

Keep a small colony away from the general community aquarium

Keep Tiger Teddy Livebearers in a small species-only colony. Seriously Fish considers the species unsuitable for the general community aquarium because of its diminutive size and describes it as shyer than Heterandria formosa. Keep other species out of the colony, however small they are.

A pair can occupy the 30 × 20 cm, approximately 12-litre reference aquarium, but a colony requires larger quarters. Build the larger aquarium around heavy planting so fish can shelter without losing access to food.

Plan for female aggression

Females are sometimes aggressive, and this aggression can cause casualties. A heavily planted aquarium can reduce this behaviour. Plant cover does not make observation optional: check whether one fish is repeatedly chased, prevented from feeding or confined to one corner.

Do not infer sex from the gallery, dispatch size or colour. The offer does not guarantee sex, so plan the aquarium to manage the behaviour actually observed rather than assuming a particular male-to-female composition.

This is a good choice for someone who enjoys observing subtle behaviour and managing a heavily planted species aquarium closely. It is a poor choice when the main aim is to add one more fish to a mixed collection.

Keep other species out of the colony aquarium

Know why the colony stays species-only

1. Scale: the Tiger Teddy Livebearer remains tiny, with FishBase recording 2.0 cm total length for male or unsexed fish and 2.5 cm for females; its diminutive size makes a general community aquarium unsuitable.
2. Feeding access: this fish takes tiny foods and is shy; every individual needs access to an appropriate particle size.
3. Water match: keep 24–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0 and 5–25 dGH steady for the colony.
4. Layout and flow: keep heavy planting and gentle filtration throughout the aquarium.

Each of these points is a reason to give the colony its own aquarium. Sharing the same temperature does not make a mixed arrangement suitable. Similar adult length still leaves the community arrangement unsuitable.

See how another species would affect the colony

Begin with water. Another animal that cannot live within those values would push the water away from what this colony needs. Another animal that shares those values is still not a suitable companion.

Next, consider the physical arrangement. Another species that requires stronger water movement would remove the Tiger Teddy Livebearer’s gently filtered, sheltered areas. An animal that prevents heavy planting or occupies the planted refuges would also leave this shy livebearer exposed.

Another species can also disrupt feeding access. These shy fish need small food placed in separated planted openings, so every Tiger Teddy Livebearer can feed. Repeated missed meals, hiding through feeding or exposure to persistent aggression are further reasons to keep the colony species-only.

Use behaviour as a continuing decision

Observe the aquarium during feeding and at different positions within the planted layout. Repeated hiding, missed meals, altered breathing, colour change or a shift in aggression means the colony needs attention even when test results remain within range.

Answer common Tiger Teddy Livebearer questions

How big does the Tiger Teddy Livebearer get?

FishBase records 2.0 cm total length for male or unsexed fish and 2.5 cm for females. Plan for females reaching 2.5 cm total length in this unsexed offer. Seriously Fish gives 25 mm standard length, which excludes the tail and is a different measurement.

What size aquarium does Neoheterandria elegans need?

Seriously Fish gives a 30 × 20 cm base and about 12 litres for a pair. Use larger quarters for the preferred small colony.

How many Tiger Teddy Livebearers should I keep together?

Keep them alone in a small colony. A pair can use the 12-litre reference aquarium, while a colony needs a larger planted aquarium.

Is this fish suitable for beginners?

Choose it only if you can keep a small species-only colony away from a general community aquarium. It suits a keeper able to provide exceptionally clean water, gentle filtration, heavy planting and weekly water changes around 50%.

What does the Tiger Teddy Livebearer eat?

Feed small live or frozen Artemia and Daphnia, plus finely crushed dry food. Check that every fish can swallow the particles and remove leftovers.

What temperature and pH does this fish need?

Keep it at 24–28°C and pH 7.0–8.0. The temperature is the overlap of FishBase’s recorded environment and Seriously Fish aquarium guidance; hardness is 5–25 dGH.

Is the Tiger Teddy Livebearer aggressive or a fin nipper?

Females are sometimes aggressive, and this can cause casualties. Reduce the risk with heavy planting and monitor every fish for chasing, injury or exclusion from food.

Which animals can it live with?

Keep this fish in a small species-only colony rather than a general community aquarium. Give the colony its own heavily planted aquarium, because its diminutive size makes a general community aquarium unsuitable.

How does it arrive alive in the UK?

Start filming while the parcel is still sealed and before opening it, then open and inspect it on the day it arrives. Tropical Fish Co hand-bags the fish in pure oxygen, uses an insulated box and adds a heat pack when needed. The parcel travels with a licensed live-animal courier.

Consult the identity and care references

• FishBase: species identity, family, Colombian distribution, recorded environment and maximum length.
• Seriously Fish: aquarium dimensions, water parameters, filtration, planting, diet, behaviour and reproduction.
• OATA: freshwater aquarium preparation, biological maturation, testing, stocking and routine welfare checks.
• RSPCA: the role of biological filtration in processing ammonia and nitrite.