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This is another
critically endangered fish,
only recently found to still exist in two small,
confined habitats. This
goodeid
was first introduced to the aquarium hobby in 1971.
Originally from Jalisco, Mexico. It was once occasionally
seen in pet stores, but hasn't
been available commercially for many years. The yellow band
through the tail of the male
becomes very striking as it gets older, while the females
display complex black mottling
along the sides and fins. I did not understand the common
name "Butterfly Goodeid" until
recently when watching a group of healthy, well fed adults in
a 30 gallon tank sparring and
chasing one another. The bright yellow stripe on the male's
tail really does resemble the
color and movement of butterfly wings.
Though well behaved with one another, they are best kept in a
species only
tank,
particularly with their being as rare as they are. This is
one
goodeid that should not be
kept with the Neocaridina Shrimp
sold at this site, as the splendens may eat them.
Primarily herbivorous, they require a
vegetable component in their
diet.
Females do not do well when removed to drop
fry, often dropping
stillborn fry shortly
after being moved. Fortunately, they are not big fry eaters
when provided with lots of
plants. When given a
consistent, stable environment, kept fairly clean with regular
water changes, this fish
has been one of my most attractive and prolific
goodeids.
More
information
Here.
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