Hello all,

It was suggested that I try your forum for information about heterandria formosa. I have a very small tank that is presently cycling. It is only a 1 gallon - but I am very good about maintenance etc. My problem, other than small size of the tank, is that my home temps are really low. In winter, it will be 60-65. In summer, 68-72. It was suggested that these little guys do really well in conditions like mine. Is that right?

If so, I'd really like to find some. Do I go to my local pet shop and ask them to get them for me? Do you know of anyone in SE Wisconsin who has some to sell? What should I expect to pay?

I'm not entirely sure I want to have a million baby fish ... how prolific are these little guys and gals? Should I opt for all one sex fish to avoid overpopulation?

I read they like a slight bit of salt in the water - and tannins. Is this right?

Thanks for any advice.

-Lynn
PS: I have about a month to go before my tank is ready. The plants are growing. And I run an undergravel filter.

Welcome to the site.

H. formosa are a recent addition to my collection, but I can tell you that 1 gallon with plants will be able to house a few. If you get a couple of females and a male, you could possibly have a good amount of fish in time. I've seen them in one of the LFS, but not in any LFS close to me. The temps you have are perfect so I wouldn't worry about it.

If you can't find them at a LFS, KSI in the Fish Market section carries them once in awhile. You can also find them on aquabid.

Dear Lynn,

I'm an American-native fish retailer located in SE Wisconsin. I recently acquired some Heterandria formosa and am trying to get them to breed. You said that in a month your tank will be ready. Check back with me when your tank is ready and I might have some formosa for you! P.S., welcome to the forum!

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for your feedback and welcome.

I would have been thrilled to find even one source of these little guys - and now I've found more than one.

The difficult part now is to figure out which generous offer to accept! (I received PM's in addition to the board replies)

These sound like absolute perfect little fish to me. Can't wait to get some.

Thanks again.
-Lynn