Butterfly Goodeid

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Scientific Name

Ameca splendens

Min. Tank Size

30 gallons

Personality

Males territorial & aggressive

Temperature

78-90°F

pH

6.0-8.0/5-20°dGH

Size

3.25"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Livebearer

Compatibility

May bully small species like Guppies and Tetras; best kept with robust species of similar size such as Dwarf Cichlids, Barbs, Tetras, Rainbowfish and Gouramis.

Butterfly Goodeid

The Butterfly Goodeid was once found solely in Jalisco, Mexico but it it now believed to be extinct in the wild. It has been reported that a remnant population of this species may exist in a water park near the town of Ameca and some feral specimens have been seen in the United States. Captive breeding may have played a role in preventing this species from being totally extinct. The Butterfly Goodeid is also known by the name Butterfly Splitfin, likely named for the split anal fin of males in the species which form a sexual organ used in mating. These fish typically have silver-colored sides and a brownish back with black-washed fins. Males of the species may appear more metallic in color and females have black dots on their sides and fins.

Tank Set-Up

In the home aquarium, Butterfly Goodeids prefer densely planted tanks with dark substrate and moderate water flow. These fish are sensitive to water quality, so accompany regular water changes with quality filtration. Well oxygenated water on the hard side of neutral will also prove to be beneficial. The Butterfly Goodeid tends to be somewhat aggressive and may bully or nip at the fins of smaller fish. For this reason, Butterfly Goodeids are best kept with robust species of similar size such as Dwarf Cichlids, Gouramis, and Rainbowfish.

Feeding

The Butterfly Goodeid is omnivorous and will readily accept most foods it is offered. Butterfly Goodeids are particularly fond of algae and fresh vegetables, but will also eat a variety of frozen, freeze-dried and flake foods. For optimum health and coloration, feed a varied diet of live and frozen/freeze dried foods such as brine shrimp, Daphnia, and bloodworms along with a good quality flake. If no algae is present in the aquarium, regularly feed an algae based flake or pellet.

Breeding

This species is fairly easy to breed and can be bred in either groups or pairs. Unlike many Livebearers, female Butterfly Goodeids do not store sperm – each brood of fry must be fertilized separately. The typical gestation period for this species is between 55 and 60 days and the fry are large when born, up to three quarters of an inch in length.