them because they didn’t detract from the surroundings, being so small and dark in color. I bought seven! People call them Fig. 18: Heterandria formosa, the least mosquito fish killifish. The male may be the world’s because they smallest vertebrate. are very good at controlling mosquito larvae, but as Dr. Innes points out in his description of the species, they are so-called
because of their small size, not necessarily because of what they eat (figure 18). The school of this smallest livebearer has grown to just over a dozen, becoming the most sustained and successful vertebrate tenant. I love them! In fact, they are becoming my favorite fish! What a pleasure to have an aquarium that “stands the test of time!” I wonder what the next 25 years will bring for this well-traveled member of our family?!
Photo of H. formosa (above) from Fishbase.org. All other photos are by the author.
Modern Aquarium - Greater City A.S (NY)
May 2014
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