Central American Killies?

[eschaton]

Hey all.

I am considering building a paludarium focusing on a central American biotope. The land will have a PDF species and a small Gonatodes gecko species. There won't be a ton of water (probably 10-20 gallons).

I figure a Killifish species would be the ideal species. Small, will eat any flies which fall into the water, and can deal with a small water area. The thing is, I cannot find any Central American Killies online.

Any recs?

 

[BigC]

You could have Rivulus species such as Cylindraceus from around Cuba
http/www.killi.dk/bmk/Image/Riv_cylindraceus_CRW_3863.jpg
There are a lot more colourful Rivulus species a little further down into French Guyana, and Surinam.
also
Rivulus Cryptocallus are also from Central America.
Contact
Fred Behrmann (Catskill NY)
AthensAquatics@Juno.com
See if he'll let you have a pair (usually around $8 +postage)
Regards
BigC

 

[eschaton]

Thanks for pointing me to the right genus.

It's a pretty one, but I notice there are other species in the genus endemic to the area, including R. brunnus, R. isthmensis, and R. uroflammeus. Are any of these species kept by killie enthusiasts?

 

[BigC]

Yeah there are a few Rivulins from around Cuba and Panama type localities. The problem lies in trying to source stock. They are usually kept by specialists that for some reason like the little brown fishes. Having said that some killifish enthusiasts like to play their cards close to their chests as it were and dont readily disclose what they have.
Cryptocallus and Cyclindraceus are pretty common, small and would suit your bill perfectly. They like soft water mind and a pretty low pH.
Then they will spawn readily.
Fred also has Rivulus tenius which hail from around Mexico (check for adult size as I'm not sure how big these grow)
Best thing is to ask Fred as he will have all the contacts you need (Stateside) for any other species you're interested in.
Regards
BigC