Species profile
Girardinus Metallicus
Girardinus metallicus
Peaceful
Moderate care
80 L minimum aquarium
4–6 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
A social livebearer that does best in mineral-rich water. It is easy to feed but benefits from substantial plant/algal content rather than an all-protein diet.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
7–8.2
GH
10–25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Fry
Bioload factor
0.7
Peaceful but active. Males court frequently; keep several females per male where possible.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
80 L
Minimum footprint
70 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Girardinus metallicus
Alternative names
Metallic Livebearer, Metallic Girardinus
Native range
Cuba.
Natural habitat
Clear to turbid ponds, streams and sluggish waters with vegetation. Keep in moderately hard-to-hard alkaline water with plants, open swimming space and gentle flow.
Diet & feeding
Omnivore and grazer taking algae, detritus, insect larvae and small invertebrates. Provide plant-rich prepared foods and regular small live/frozen foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are smaller and have a conspicuous gonopodium; females are larger and deeper-bodied.
Breeding
Livebearer. Female-biased groups and dense planting reduce persistent male attention and give newborn fry cover.