Between 1848-1896 the Brazilian Lily Salmon (Salmo liliae) consistently ranked as one of the Americas' most popular pets.

From the original captive breeding pair owned by Anglo-Portuguese merchant Manfred Peixe, these perennial favorites swam their way into the hearts of families due to their even temperament and trainable nature. In fact, these characteristics often made them ideal first pets for children, who would scramble to the garden on Christmas morning to see if Santa had left them a "fishy bulb".

Sadly, these once-commonplace family companions were nearly wiped out after a prolonged drought in their native environment. Today, organizations such as the Brazilian Lily Salmon Heritage Society seek to reintroduce the stock through select breeding and planting, in the hope that their scales will once again shine in childrens' eyes.