The Poeciliidae are a family of freshwater fishes of the order Cyprinodontiformes, the tooth-carps, and include well-known live-bearing aquarium fish, such as the guppy, molly, platy, and swordtail. The original distribution of the family was the southeastern United States to north of Río de la Plata, Argentina, and Africa, including Madagascar. However, due to release of aquarium specimens and the widespread use of species of the genera Poecilia and Gambusia for mosquito control, poeciliids can today be found in all tropical and subtropical areas of the world. In addition, Poecilia and Gambusia specimens have been identified in hot springs pools as far north as Banff, Alberta.
Rasbora is a genus of fish in the family Cyprinidae. They are native to freshwater habitats in South and Southeast Asia, as well as southeast China. A single species, R. gerlachi, is only known from an old specimen that reputedly originated from Africa (Cameroon), but this locality is considered doubtful. They are small, up to 17 cm (6.7 in) long, although most species do not surpass 10 cm (4 in) and many have a dark vertical stripe.
The flying barbs are freshwater fish in the genus Esomus, native to South and Mainland Southeast Asia. They are closely related to the genus Danio and are distinctive for their extremely long barbels.
Labeotropheus is a genus of fish in the family Cichlidae endemic to Lake Malawi in eastern Africa. It includes at least 4 species, each with a number of subspecies or races. Further taxonomic work is required to determine how many species exist. These cichlids are popular ornamental fish and are ideally suited to the cichlid aquarium. Like many Malawi cichlids, these species are algal grazers. Like all cichlids from Lake Malawi these cichlids are best maintained in hard, alkaline water. This genus are best kept in aquariums with volumes greater than 120 l. The aquarium should be decorated with rocks, although caves can also be easily created from terracotta pots.
Rhamphochromis is a genus of East African haplochromine cichlids endemic to the Lake Malawi basin, including the main lake, Lake Malombe, Lake Chilingali, Chia Lagoon and upper Shire River. They mainly occur in offshore open waters, but a few species also near the coast. They are piscivores that typically feed on lake sardines and small utaka cichlids.
Laetacara is a small genus of cichlids native to freshwater habitats in tropical and subtropical South America, ranging from the upper Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Paraná River basin Argentina. The genus is also collectively known as the smiling acaras. Like all cichlids, Laetacara species have well-developed brood care.
The banded lampeye is a species of poeciliid that is native to Africa, ranging from Senegal to Angola. It is mainly found in coastal brackish habitats such as river mouths, lagoons and mangrove swamps. It reaches up to 7 cm (2.8 in) in total length.
Hypsopanchax is a genus of poeciliids native to freshwater habitats in Middle Africa.
Pantanodon is a genus of poeciliids native to East Africa and Madagascar.
The eastcoast lampeye is a species of fish in the family Poeciliidae. It is endemic to coastal Kenya and Tanzania, where found in brackish water, mangrove swamps, pools, lagoons and river deltas. It reaches up to 5 cm (2.0 in) in total length. This fish was described by Ernst Ahl as Haplochilichthys stuhlmanni with the type locality given as Tanganyika Territory. The specific name honours the co-leader of the German East Africa Expedition (1889-1892) on which type was collected, Franz Ludwig Stuhlmann (1863-1928) of the German Colonial Service.
Ctenopoma is a genus of climbing gouramies native to Africa. Microctenopoma has been included in Ctenopoma in the past; in contrast to that genus, Ctenopoma species are egg scatterers with no parental care.
Metynnis is a genus of serrasalmid fish from tropical and subtropical South America. They are herbivorous or omnivorous, and inhabit a wide range of freshwater habitats, ranging from rivers and streams, to floodplains, flooded forests, lakes, pools and reservoirs. They generally reach 8–15 cm (3–6 in) in standard length, although a few species may reach up to 18 cm (7 in). The genus contains many of the species known as silver dollars in the aquarium trade.
Hylopanchax is a genus of poeciliids native to the Congo River Basin and Ivindo River in Middle Africa.
Lacustricola is a genus of poeciliids native to East, Southern and Middle Africa.
Micropanchax is a genus of poeciliids native to Africa.
Plataplochilus is a genus of poeciliid fishes native to Middle Africa.
Poropanchax is a genus of small poeciliid fishes native to Africa.
Rhexipanchax is a genus of poeciliid fishes native to tropical West Africa.
Procatopodinae is a subfamily of the family Poeciliidae, the "livebearers", in the order Cyprinodontiformes. Some authorities treat this subfamily as a family, the Procatopodidae, including the Banded lampeye.
The Procatopodini is an African tribe of fishes, it is part of the subfamily Procatopodinae, within the family Poeciliidae.
