Tequila Splitfin

A small Mexican livebearer with an orange-edged tail on males. It was thought to be extinct in the wild when described, and it has been the subject of a successful return to its river, so captive stock matters.

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 may nip the fins of slow or long-finned fish, and a larger group usually reduces this. 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 eats small invertebrates and some algae. Feed flake and 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.