How to Locate Limia Vittata

Limia vittata, which is endemic to Cuba, is found in the lower reaches of lakes, streams and estuaries. The attractive male fish, with their yellow to orange tail fin that contains bluish speckles, are far smaller than the females. The species prefers brackish and saline water and eats not only plant matter, but small crustaceans, worms and insects. Limia vittata can be found on the Isle of Pines as well. According to U.S. Geological Survey, the species was established in Hawaii by 1950. This species is typically found in the company of both the mosquitofish and the sailfin molly.

Things You'll Need

  • Passport (optional)
  • Plane tickets (optional)
  • Reliable vehicle
  • Guide who is familiar with Cuba
  • Fish identification book
  • Rubber boots or waders
  • pH test kit
  • Camera (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Travel to Cuba, because this is where limia vittata is found under natural conditions.

    • 2

      Search in the lower reaches of lakes and streams, as this is the habitat most preferred by this species of fish.

    • 3

      Move down into the estuaries and lagoons and even mangrove swamps, if you are not successful in locating the little fish in the lower reaches of the streams and lakes. This species has a high tolerance for saline conditions and is equally at home in brackish water.

    • 4

      Look near the substrate or bottom of the stream or estuary, as this is a demersal or bottom dwelling species.

    • 5

      Use the pH test kit to determine how acidic or alkaline the water is. This species prefers a range between 7.5 and 8.2 of this unitless water parameter. The water will show a higher reading the closer you get to the estuary or mangrove swamp. The reading will drop somewhat as you move upstream. Do not move into water with a pH of less than 7.5, because this species will not be found there.

    • 6

      Try to locate either sailfin mollies or mosquitofish, because limia vittata is typically associated with these two other species and it is easier to find three types of fish in a similar area than just a single type.

    • 7

      Look for the larger females since they are at least twice as large as the male fish and will be easier to notice.

    • 8

      Move your search to Hawaii if you are not successful in locating the species in Cuba, as limia vittata was introduced to Oahu and on the big island in the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park around 1950.