The Metallic Topminnow, Girardinus metallicus, like all Girardinus species (currently 7 species are recognized), originates from Cuba. It is the only species that has been able to establish itself in the hobby. Black-bellied males do not occur in nature, at least nobody has ever found any there; in the hobby, on the other hand, one finds almost only these beautiful animals.
While it is generally assumed that the black-bellied (only the males have this characteristic) Girardinus metallicus is a breeding form, there are also voices to the contrary, which indicate that the courtship behavior of the black-bellied is clearly different from the courtship behavior of the normally colored animals and that it is therefore perhaps an undescribed species.
Be that as it may: the Metallic Topminnow, which is usually 3-4 cm (max. 5 cm) long in the male sex and 5 cm (max. 9 cm) long in the female, is a very lively and beautiful livebearer, whose care can be recommended without reservation.
For our customers: the animals have code 416704 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
