Butterfly Splitfin Goodeid

A Mexican livebearer in which males have a bright yellow band on the tail and a shimmering body. It is often called extinct in the wild, though it survives in a few places. It nips fins, so a species tank works best.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Males have a gonopodium, which is a modified anal fin used for mating. Females are larger and rounder.

Provide dense plants or floating cover for fry and for females that want a rest from males, and keep the water hard and alkaline.

Active, hardy and always on the move, with males displaying to females.

Keep a group, with two or three females for every male.

Not territorial, although some males chase each other.

Suits a peaceful community that likes hard water. Avoid fin nippers. Adults may eat shrimplets. It is likely to eat shrimp. Choose its tankmates with care.

Keep the pH steady, because this fish is sensitive to swings.

An omnivore that grazes algae and eats plant matter. Offer vegetable-based flake with small frozen foods.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

Gives birth to live young, with no special setup needed. Adults may eat fry, so provide dense plants or move a heavily pregnant female to a separate, planted tank.