Butterfly splitfin
Ameca splendens
9 cm
Adult size
100 L
Minimum volume
5
Minimum group
8 years
Lifespan
Water parameters
Understand these values- Genus
- Ameca
- Diet
- omnivore
- Social life
- small group
In the wild
Overview
The only species of its genus, this livebearing Goodeidae owes its name to the upper Río Ameca basin, and splendens to its brilliant colours. Listed as critically endangered, it survives in only a few localities, but strong captive populations exist among aquarists.
- Scientific name
- Ameca splendens Miller & Fitzsimons, 1971
- Classification
- Cyprinodontiformes › Goodeidae
- IUCN Red List
- Critically endangered (CR)
Natural habitat
Mexico: Río Ameca basin and Sayula valley (Jalisco)
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
It lives in clear springs where aquatic plants thrive.
Behaviour
Poorly suited to a community tank: males can be aggressive and the species is very competitive at feeding time. A species tank, or sturdy tankmates of the same size, suits it better. A voracious omnivore, it eats a lot of algae in the wild: its diet must include plant matter. Efficient filtration is essential.
Sources:FishBase Seriously Fish GBIF · Base map: Natural Earth