Blue-eyed livebearer

Priapella intermedia

Also known as Isthmian priapella, Mexican blue-eye

FreshwaterFish

Blue-eyed livebearer (Priapella intermedia) — Dbr · Public domain

Care at a glance

Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 7.0–8.0
Adult size: 2.8 in (7 cm)
Minimum tank: 24 gal (90 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Top
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Native to the Rio Coatzacoalcos basin in Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico, in clear, flowing, well oxygenated streams.
Family: Poeciliidae

Overview

Keep a group in a longer tank of 90 liters or larger at 22 to 28 C, pH 7.0 to 8.0, in medium hard water with good flow and a secure lid. Feed floating foods such as flake and small frozen or freeze dried insects, since they feed near the surface. Peaceful and easily bullied, so give them calm tankmates or a species tank. They are sensitive to poor water, so keep up regular water changes.

In the wild

A slender, active livebearer whose main feature is a pair of brilliant sky blue eyes that glow against a plain silvery body. It comes from clear flowing streams, so it wants clean, oxygen rich water with current and a tight fitting lid, because it is a determined jumper. Keep a group in a longer planted tank with open surface swimming room. Feed floating and surface foods.

Good to know

Priapella intermedia is a livebearer in the guppy and swordtail family, reaching about 5 cm in males and 7 cm in females. Unlike many relatives the males do not chase and harass females but instead court them with displays. The vivid blue eyeshine comes from reflective tissue and is brightest in healthy fish.

Did you know

The electric blue eyes flash most brightly under good conditions, so a dull eye is often an early sign that something is wrong with the water or the fish.